Kings reach playoffs after OT cliffhanger

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The Los Angeles Kings slipped into the post-season with a nail-biting 3-2 shootout win over the Phoenix Coyotes in a playoff decider on Wednesday.

Los Angeles goalie Jonathan Quick improved his shootout record to a perfect 10-0 this season turning aside two of three shooters.

Jarret Stoll followed a successful attempt by Michal Handzus with his ninth shootout goal in 10 attempts this season for the game winner.

Stoll opened the scoring in the first period to stake the Kings to a 1-0 lead, but the Coyotes roared back with goals by Lee Stempniak and Taylor Pyatt before the end of the period.

Kyle Clifford scored the equalizer late in the second period, redirecting a perfect pass by Wayne Simmonds to set up the dramatic conclusion.

(Reporting by Mike Mouat in Windsor, Ontario. Editing by Alastair Himmer.)