Will the Los Angeles Kings be able to mimic the success of last year's Stanley Cup run this summer? Well, they're well on their way after a crucial 2-1 Game 7 win against the San Jose Sharks Tuesday night.

In 2012, the Los Angeles Kings were a complete non-factor before the playoffs started. They had just barely snuck into the 8th seed in the Western Conference, and practically nobody was giving them much of a chance to win. 

The Kings ended up winning the Stanley Cup last year, and that success may help them win this year as well. They are using that thrill of ultimate victory to fuel them for another deep playoff run.

"It comes from the hunger of winning one and having that drive for another one," Kings right winger Justin Williams said. "You don't want anyone else to raise the Cup but you."

Williams ended up providing the crucial difference in Game 7 when he scored both of his teams goals for the night. One came on a scrappy play at the net, forcing the puck by the goalie off of a rebound. The other was much prettier, as Williams took aim with a well-placed slapshot at a fairly thin angle.

"I certainly enjoy pressure situations," said Williams, whose goals were 2:57 apart in the second period. "I know everyone in this dressing room does. We pride ourselves on being a team that, push comes to shove, we're going to get it done. We've been through it before, and we know we can do it."

The victory came on the team's home ice, leaving the home crowd electrified for what could be another hoisting of Lord Stanley's Cup. Though the Kings are the fifth-seed (as opposed to last year's 8th seed), they appear to be every bit as hungry and ready for battle as ever.

"After a relatively average regular season and a tepid start to the playoffs, the Kings are showing once again that they shine when the spotlight is the brightest. This year, the battles have been a little bit harder, but the Kings' series wins over the Blues and Sharks have demonstrated resiliency and confidence," says the sports blog bleacherreport.com.

The Kings will now wait to see who will be their opponent in the Western Conference finals. The Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings quare off Wednesday night in a Game 7 to decide who will get that honor.