Fitting finale for Freeway Faceoff

Ducks can validate themselves with victory in Game 7.

For the past few years, the Anaheim Ducks have watched enviously while the Los Angeles Kings evolved into phenomenal playoff performers and Stanley Cup champions.

The Ducks want that reputation as much as they want the Cup.

In Game 7 of their second-round series tonight, they’re on the perfect stage to supplant their rivals and to demonstrate they’re a title contender, not just a regular-season power.

“We knew what kind of team they were,” Ducks forward Andrew Cogliano said. “We knew things weren’t going to be easy, and they weren’t going to be quick.”

After five straight wins in elimination games this spring, the Kings won’t surrender their post- season supremacy. The Ducks will have to take it at Honda Center in a fitting finale to the Freeway Faceoff.

“When you have our trust and experience with each other, it puts games like this in perspective,” Kings captain Dustin Brown said. “We’ve been through a lot worse. We know what has to be done.”

The Kings have pushed another playoff opponent to the limit, and the Ducks have one last chance to push back. After a series filled with tight games, dramatic momentum swings and improbable heroes, Los Angeles and Anaheim will finish their first postseason series with one game to earn a trip to the Western Conference finals against Chicago.

Sabre suspended:

Buffalo Sabres forward Zenon Konopka was suspended for 20 games by the NHL after he tested positive for a banned substance. The NHL did not reveal what substance was discovered in the player’s system. In a statement released through the NHL Players’ Association, Konopka accepted responsibility for the positive test.