After climbing their way into first place among the AHL’s Pacific Division teams, now it’s time for a little adversity as the Reign wrap up February and kick off March with a weekend set in Colorado.
Friday’s contest vs. the Eagles at Blue Arena marks the fourth meeting between the clubs this season. After claiming a 5-3 victory in their first matchup, Ontario has dropped two straight to Colorado. Overall on the season, coach Marco Sturm has guided his team to a 32-15-6 record. However, with both teams vying for playoff positioning, this matchup carries significant weight. With the Eagles trailing closely in third place, just two points behind, pressure is coming — and not just in the standings.
Sturm’s top goaltender, Erik Portillo remains sidelined, having not played since a road trip to Calgary nearly two weeks ago. Adding more concern, the Reign are expected to be without Angus Booth, after he did not skate in practice before the team departed for Colorado. The first-year pro, and Kings 2022 draft selection, has been steady throughout the year and earned the confidence of Sturm and assistant coach Chris Hajt.
Speaking of the latter, he had some positive words to share on the recent play of Kings prospect Jakub Dvorak following Sunday night’s game in Ontario:
Meanwhile, newly acquired defenseman Joseph Cecconi is expected to draw in for his first game with the Reign. He joined the organization via trade a few days ago, part of a deal that saw forward Tyler Madden sent to Minnesota’s AHL team.
With a bit of chaos and change on the blueline, the return of Sammy Fagemo at forward is at least one thing Sturm can look forward to tonight.
In net, Pheonix Copley is expected to get the start once again, after stopping 26 of 27 shots last Sunday, helping the team secure a 2-1 overtime win.
The Reign will be facing an Eagles team known for their aggressive forecheck and balanced scoring. They’re also coming into action having won seven of their last ten games. Their penalty kill stands out, successfully neutralizing 83.3% of opponents’ power plays (second-best in the Pacific Division) For comparison, the Reign have killed 82.8% of all power plays.
REIGN PROJECTED LINEUP vs. EAGLES
Malott – Gawdin – Hudon
Lee – Studnicka – Ward
Chromiak – Helenius – Fagemo
Element – Pinelli – Jamsen
Hicketts- Millar
Dvorak – Walsh
Krebs – Cecconi
Copley
McKay
Other roster options include: (F) Doty and (D) Booth, Krygier, Rowe and (G) Portillo
Puck drop is scheduled for 6:00 pm Pacific Time and the game can be viewed on FloHockey. An audio only feed is also available on the ESPN LA app.
MORE LA KINGS NEWS:
Follow @mayorNHL
Continue reading...
