Kings top Coyotes, take series opener

Dwight King scored his second goal of the game into an empty net and the Los Angeles Kings opened the Western Conference finals with a 4-2 victory over the host Phoenix Coyotes on Sunday night to remain unbeaten on the road in the playoffs.

The Kings dominated early despite a week off and outshot Phoenix, 48-27.

Anze Kopitar scored four minutes in, Dustin Brown had a goal and an assist, and King had his first career two-goal game to give the Kings their sixth straight road victory of the playoffs.

Derek Morris beat Jonathan Quick from the center line, and Mikkel Boedker also scored for the Coyotes, who trail in a series for the first time this year.

Game 2 is Tuesday night in the desert.

It's been 18 years since Stephane Matteau forever etched his name into hockey history with a wraparound goal that launched the New York Rangers-New Jersey Devils rivalry well beyond just a common border war.

The intensity and animosity has only grown over the last two decades.

That rivalry will be center stage Monday night at Madison Square Garden when the two begin their conference final best-of-seven series.

- Associated Press