Last season is a distant memory at this point when it comes to the longstanding Reign-Gulls rivalry. One year ago, Ontario dominated their Pacific Division neighbors to the south, posting a 6-1-1 record in their eight-game season series. In 2023-24, the fortunes have turned. A pair of back-to-back losses to the Gulls on opening weekend have seemingly had coach Marco Sturm’s squad on their heels all year.
Now, at the midpoint of the season, Ontario has managed three points in their last two matchups, yet that lone victory came all the way back in October. Again, a distant memory by now.
Last night, the Reign claimed a 2-1 overtime victory at Toyota Arena, and now their attention turns to playing a road game in San Diego.
Rookie netminder Erik Potillo is expected between the pipes tonight for Ontario. He was also the goalie of record the last time the two clubs met up, a 4-3 overtime loss at San Diego back in late December. Sammy Fagemo and Sammy Helenius opened the scoring for Sturm and Co. that night; both will take their regular spot in the lineup tonight, as well.
While the focus heading into Friday night’s game was all about the penalty kill, coming off a game earlier in the week where the Reign surrendered six man-advantage opportunities to Abbotsford, now the attention likely turns to Ontario’s power play. They’ve already had 20 PP opportunites against the Gulls this season and will need to cash in any such opportunities tonight. With just four total goals scored in regulation over their past three games, it’s time for the Reign offense to get going once again.
Consider tonight a precursor, as the Reign and Gulls will meet up again next Friday back in Ontario.
ICYMI – defenseman Jordan Spence was recalled back to the Kings and won’t be available for tonight’s Reign game. More on that story is available here:
REIGN PROJECTED LINEUP vs. Gulls
Ward – Tynan – Fagemo
Hudon – Thomas – Madden
Pavlychev – Helenius – Chromiak
Hodgson – Pinelli – Doty
Moverare – Hicketts
Connauton – Santini
Krygier – Nousiainen
Portillo (starter)
Dell
Other roster options include: (F) Young and (D) Inamoto
Injured: Lee (out until March)
Puck drop is scheduled for 6pm Pacific Time and the game can be viewed on AHL TV.
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