California collision: LA Kings, SJ Sharks have contrasting styles, but same playoff goals

San Jose Sharks center Joe Pavelski (8) celebrates his goal with teammate Patrick Marleau (12) during the third period of Game 4 of their first-round NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoff series in San Jose, Calif., Tuesday, May 7, 2013. San Jose won 4-3 in overtime. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) (The Associated Press)

A shot from Vancouver Canucks defenseman Alexander Edler gets past San Jose Sharks goalie Antti Niemi, of Finland, for a goal during the third period of Game 4 of their first-round NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoff series in San Jose, Calif., Tuesday, May 7, 2013. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) (The Associated Press)

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – Drew Doughty doesn't mind acknowledging the Los Angeles Kings would have enjoyed traveling to their next playoff series in a bus instead of a plane.

Although the Anaheim Ducks didn't show up for a postseason Freeway Faceoff, the defending Stanley Cup champions still have some awfully short trips in store when they meet the San Jose Sharks for the fourth all-California playoff series in NHL history.

And for the first time in 21 years, the Kings get to start a postseason series at home.

The Kings hope to continue their dominant run Tuesday night at Staples Center, where they've won 10 straight since March.

Los Angeles is amply wary of the Sharks, who are just one series away from their third Western Conference finals appearance in four years.