This afternoon brings a rare 1:00 p.m. puck drop, as the Ontario Reign look to rebound and even this week’s three-game series vs. Abbotsford.
Quite regularly this season, coach Andrew Lord’s group have made a habit of snatching victories from the jaws of defeat. However, a few nights ago, the Reign found themselves getting a taste of their own medicine.
The lone goal came in Saturday’s game vs. the Canucks came during the second period off the stick of the red-hot Cole Guttman, with assists from Kenny Connors and Martin Chromiak — three players who are considered strong contenders to see time in Los Angeles after the NHL’s Olympic roster freeze lifts later this month. See below for more details:
As for the aforementioned AHL action, Abbotsford was outplayed in all three periods, and the shot clock reflected it: 32-13 in favor of Ontario. But the third period featured two timely tallies from the Canucks, and they flipped the script, lifting Abbotsford to a 2-1 victory.
Although the Reign mounted a late push that night, it ultimately wasn’t enough. The loss was a tough one to swallow for Lord & Co –- not only against a last-place Abbotsford squad, but with the second-place Colorado Eagles falling in overtime, a prime opportunity to gain ground in the standings was missed.
Speaking of the Eagles, they followed up Saturday’s overtime loss with a regulation defeat on Sunday afternoon. Now, the Reign skate into action again today with a chance to reclaim first place in the Pacific Division.
Ontario and Colorado are tied at 64 points, but with two games in hand, Colorado currently holds the top spot.
At least one of Jacob Doty and/or Kaleb Lawrence will likely slide into the lineup at forward today. Meanwhile, on defense, Jakub Dvorak — who was dinged up in a recent game — is said to be close to returning yet isn’t expected back just yet.
In goal, Pheonix Copley is Ontario’s projected starter. His season debut came in Abbotsford back in late October, when he turned aside 24-of-26 shots in a Reign victory. The veteran netminder has won two straight games this month and has come out on top in six of his last nine starts.
Reign Projected Lineup vs. Canucks
If there are any key changes during pregame warmups, this article will be updated.
Alexandrov – Gawdin – Guttman
Lee – Brown – Chromiak
Pinelli – Connors – Jamsen
Ziemmer – Hughes – Wright
Hicketts – Millar
Bolduc – Salin
Kirsanov – Booth
Copley (starter)
Portillo
Likely scratches: (F) Doty, Lawrence and (D) Dvorak, Rego
Recalled to LA: Ward
Injured: Burroughs
Key Game Info
Puck drop is set for 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time and will be streamed via FloSports. Additionally, a Reign radio feed is available here.
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