If there’s a single word to best describe life in the American Hockey League, it’s most likely ‘change.’ Coaches and players never quite know what to expect next, especially when it comes to the consistent flow of transactions, as guys move up to the NHL and down to the ECHL — or even overseas to Europe.
In little more three months of his first season behind the bench in Ontario, coach Andrew Lord has already experienced a plethora of change during his tenure. From losing his No. 1 goalie to injury for an extended period, to seeing his veteran backup goalie get claimed by Tampa Bay before the season started, to having same said netminder get recalled to the Kings. Moving out to the blueline, one of his most effective defensemen missed time with an injury, another one joined Team Canada for a few weeks, and out of nowhere he gained one after the Kings placed him on waivers.
Then, just this week, Lord and the Reign lost the services of Taylor Ward, Andre Lee, and Cole Guttman — essentially, three every day players for the Reign this season, and significant offensive contributors. They’re all now with the Kings, who will play in Winnipeg later tonight.
Thus, that sets up a tough test for Lord and his staff, as the Reign will need to navigate the absence of that trio when they host the Silver Knights later this evening at Toyota Arena.
Adding further complexity to the situation is the fact they’ll face a Henderson team that has given them trouble all season. Despite having an even 2-2-0 record in the series, Ontario narrowly escaped in both of their victories. During the first win, Ontario was outshot 38-16, yet somehow managed to steal a victory. The second required late-game heroics from Lee, who scored with just 25 seconds remaining in the third period, before Guttman netted the lone goal in the shootout to seal it. Oh, and Ward also found the back of the net earlier in that same contest.
After some line shuffling for Wednesday’s victory over Iowa, Lord is expected to turn to Keaton Mastrodonato to fill another hole tonight. The 25-year-old forward is set to make his Reign debut after posting eight goals and 10 assists in 26 games with ECHL Greenville this season.
There are three other names who should be “X-factors” tonight, as well: Martin Chromiak, Jared Wright, and Kenny Connors. Fittingly, all three found the back of the net in Wednesday’s game and will be needed if Ontario is going to pull out another win.
In goal, Erik Portillo is expected to get the nod. Coming off an impressive shutout in his first game back from injury last Sunday, Portillo will now work toward adding to his season resume by putting the clamps on Henderson
Overall, Ontario has won three straight games and five of their last six.
Reign Projected Lineup vs. Silver Knights
If there are any key changes during pregame warmups, this article will be updated.
Alexandrov – Gawdin – Chromiak
Hughes – Pinelli – Ziemmer
Jamsen – Connors – Wright
Isogai – Mastrodonato – Doty
Hicketts – Salin
Dvorak – Bolduc
Kirsanov – Booth
Portillo (starter)
Copley
Likely scratches: (F) Brown and (D) Rego and (G) Saville
Recalled to LA: Guttman, Lee and Ward
Injured: Burroughs, Lawrence, Millar, Parker-Jones
Key Game Info
Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. Pacific Time and will be streamed via FloSports. Additionally, a Reign radio feed is available here.
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