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.

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Los Angeles Kings Valentine Zykov, right, attempts to control the puck against Phoenix Coyotes James Melindy during the second period of an NHL hockey game at the Staples Center Sunday, April 15, 2013., in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)

Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar, front, controls the puck against Gilbert Brule, back, of the Phoenix Coyotes a during the second period of an NHL hockey game at the Staples Center Sunday, April 15, 2013., in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)

Phoenix Coyotes goalkeeper Thomas Greiss (1) dives to make a save against Los Angeles Kings during the second period of an NHL hockey game at the Staples Center Sunday, April 15, 2013., in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)

Phoenix Coyotes Michael Stone (26) and Tim Kennedy (34) collied as Los Angeles Kings Tyler Toffoli (73) controls the puck during the second period of an NHL hockey game at the Staples Center Sunday, April 15, 2013., in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)

Los Angeles Kings Scott Sabourin (42) is held down by Phoenix Coyotes Mathieu Brodeur (46) and goalkeeper Thomas Greiss (1) after Sabourin crashed into the goalie during the second period of an NHL hockey game at the Staples Center Sunday, April 15, 2013., in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)

Phoenix Coyotes' Rob Klinkhammer (36) celebrates his goal with teammate Chris Brown (44) against the Los Angeles Kings during the first period of an NHL preseason hockey game, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)

Phoenix Coyotes' Andy Miele (21) takes a shot on goal as Los Angeles Kings' Derek Forbort (84) defends during the first period of an NHL preseason hockey game at the Staples Center, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)

Phoenix Coyotes' Brandon Yip (32) and Los Angeles Kings' Derek Forbort (84) battle for the puck during the first period of an NHL preseason hockey game at the Staples Center, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)

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