from Eric Stephens of the OC Register at the Los Angeles Register,

There have been dueling car flags on the streets and battling billboards along the freeways. Perhaps some split households, too, with Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf enjoying the sight of a strolling couple adorned with opposing jerseys.

The back-and-forth series is at its logical conclusion. The Kings came into Orange County and won twice, while the Ducks answered with two in downtown L.A. The Ducks set to advance after winning Game 5, the Kings staying alive by capturing Game 6.

Four games decided by a single goal. The other two separated by just two goals. The Kings with 13 goals in all, the Ducks’ total the same.

It is down to one dealing a heavy dose of disappointment to the other for the right to face the reigning Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks in the Western Conference finals that will begin Sunday.

“I think we knew what kind of team they were, coming from 3-0 down the previous series,” Ducks forward Andrew Cogliano said Thursday. “We knew things weren’t going to be easy or quick, and we’d have to fight for everything we got. So Game 7 is pretty fitting.

“It’s one game, in our building, and we’ve played well here and we’re comfortable here. It’s going to be a great atmosphere.”

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