I don't really think the Canucks were intimidated, the Kings don't have much real toughness... They have a bit of that same quasi-toughness that the Nucks have, they'll be physical but not impose their will like the Bruins will. However I do think Mike Richards have some real swagger and he definitely took some of their manhood away late in the game.
Honestly it just wasn't a very well played or executed game by the Canucks. And they shot themselves in the foot by being undisciplined. And as a Kings fan I'm not one to point fingers when it comes to diving but Kesler was just being completely ridiculous. He's quite a good hockey player when his focus is in the right place instead of being out there trying to draw a call every other shift.
I'd expect the Canucks to come back with a much better effort next game.