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Ducks clinch playoff berth with 2-1 victory over Kings

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Teemu Selanne
wasn’t ready for the Ducks’ season — or his stellar career — to end just yet. His two-goal performance Friday against the Kings ensured that he and they will continue into the playoffs.

Selanne, who will be 41 a few days after his contract expires this summer, capped a rally with a dynamic goal set up by fellow Finn Saku Koivu at 5:54 of the third period, giving the Ducks a 2-1 victory at Honda Center that clinched the Ducks’ berth in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

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It’s the first time both local teams will be in the playoffs in the same season. They will play their regular-season finale Saturday at Staples Center, a game that will determine each team’s seeding. The playoffs are expected to start Wednesday.

The Kings had clinched a playoff berth earlier this week but are pushing for fourth place and home-ice advantage in the first round. Their loss, coupled with Nashville’s win over Columbus on Friday, dropped them to fifth.

The Ducks entered the game needing to earn two points or have the Dallas Stars not earn two points. The Stars won — as did Chicago, and Phoenix was leading San Jose late in their contest in northern California. The final order of the eight West playoff teams might not be determined until Sunday, when Chicago faces Detroit.

Ducks goaltender Dan Ellis, given the start when a lower-body injury prevented Ray Emery from playing, stopped 23 shots in his first start since March 20. Jonathan Quick stopped 26 for the Kings.
Check back later for more at www.latimes.com/sports.

-- Helene Elliott

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