Coyotes begin 2013-14 with two preseason split-squad wins
Sep 16, 2013, 4:55 AM | Updated: 4:56 am
The new era of Phoenix Coyotes hockey began Sunday night, as the team took a pair of split-squad preseason games against the rival Los Angeles Kings at Jobing.com Arena (4-2) and at Staples Center (5-1).
In their two-goal win at home, the Coyotes received solid goaltending through two periods from Mike Smith (saved 15 of his last 16 shots after allowing a goal 51 seconds into the contest) and offensive production from the usual suspects (Shane Doan, Keith Yandle and Radim Vrbata combined for six points).
In his NHL debut, first-round pick Max Domi also held his own, recording one assist in just under 18 minutes of ice time.
Out in Los Angeles, the story of the night was the play of goaltender Tomas Greiss. Greiss, who signed a one-year deal with the team in July to backup Smith, stopped all 15 shots he faced in the four-goal victory.
Offensively, Rob Klinkhammer, Brandon Yip and Gilbert Brule each had a goal, and defenseman David Rundblad also contributed with a game-high three assists.
