Kings hold nerve to post shootout win

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In one of several split-squad match-ups, both sides played two matches against each other to give many players a chance to shine.

The Coyotes won the first 5-4, also in a shootout, but the Kings responded well to take the second clash.

Nick Shore scored the crucial goal in the fourth round of the shootout for Los Angeles, who also had Marian Gaborik net twice.

This was the Kings' first match at Staples Center since winning their second NHL title in three seasons.

Los Angeles open their regular season against the San Jose Sharks on October 8.

New York Rangers – the side the Kings beat in last year's finals – lost 5-4 to the New Jersey Devils at Madison Square Garden.

Michael Ryder scored two goals and added an assist for New Jersey, who had Keith Kinkaid make 12 saves.

Jack Skille's late goal gave the New York Islanders a 3-2 win against the Ottawa Senators. The second match between the sides was also won by the Islanders by the same scoreline.

Brad Winchester scored twice in the Anaheim Ducks' 5-2 success over the Colorado Avalanche in the first match between the two sides. The second ended 4-0 to the Ducks, with Frederik Andersen making 27 saves.

Four powerplay goals helped the Philadelphia Flyers to a 5-4 triumph against the Washington Capitals. Another Flyers squad were beaten 3-2 by the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Detroit Red Wings had a 2-1 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins soured by a shoulder injury to Pavel Datsyuk.

Datsyuk – who scored what would be the winning goal in the second period – suffered the injury after being on the receiving end of a hit from Pittsburgh's Rob Scuderi.

Other results on Monday saw the Winnipeg Jets beat the Minnesota Wild 2-1 and the Dallas Stars scored three goals in the final period to beat the St Louis Blues 4-3.

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