NHL: Los Angeles 6, Phoenix 5 (SO)

GLENDALE, Ariz., March 21 (UPI) -- Patrick O'Sullivan scored the only goal of the shootout Thursday, giving the Los Angeles Kings a wild 6-5 win over Phoenix.

The teams combined for six goals in the second period and the Coyotes overcame a two-goal deficit to force overtime. But they lost their fourth in a row and saw their hopes for a playoff berth all but disappear.

Phoenix is eight points out of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Los Angeles has long since been eliminated from post-season contention.

Tom Preissing scored twice in the first period for the Kings and Los Angeles built a 5-3 lead late in the second period.

Shane Doan brought Phoenix within one with 2:34 left in the second by scoring on the power play -- the last of the six goals produced in the stanza -- and Keith Ballard tied it with 25 seconds left in regulation.

O'Sullivan delivered the only shootout goal in the fourth round against Mikael Tellqvist.