The last homestand: LA Kings must defend home ice once more in Game 7 vs surging Sharks

San Jose Sharks center Joe Pavelski (8) battles for a puck against Los Angeles Kings defenseman Jake Muzzin (6) during the third period in Game 6 of their second-round NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoff series in San Jose, Calif., Sunday, May 26, 2013. San Jose won 2-1. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar) (The Associated Press)

San Jose Sharks goalie Antti Niemi (31), of Finland, blocks a goal attempt by Los Angeles Kings left wing Kyle Clifford (13) as Sharks defenseman Brad Stuart (7) defends during the second period in Game 6 of their second-round NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoff series in San Jose, Calif., Sunday, May 26, 2013. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar) (The Associated Press)

Home ice meant little to the Los Angeles Kings last season when they stormed through the postseason as an eighth seed to win the Stanley Cup.

They're hoping Staples Center means everything in Game 7 of an exhausting playoff with the San Jose Sharks. The Kings host the Sharks on Tuesday night in the finale to a second-round matchup featuring six straight home victories.

Los Angeles has won 13 consecutive home games over the past two months and seven straight home playoff games dating to last year's Cup clincher.

This all-California series is ending just as both teams expected before it began two weeks ago. Neither team can pull away, with goaltending and special teams largely deciding each game.