Coach Marco Sturm recently said, “When the Reign Train is rolling, you have to watch out!”
And that’s likely what all the other Pacific Division teams are thinking right now.
Winners of six straight, Ontario will host San Jose at Toyota Arena on Saturday night for the final contest in their eight-game season series. Throughout 2023-24, things have been decidedly tilted in favor of the Reign, with Sturm’s club earning a perfect 7-0 record. They’ve also outscored them 29-11. Akil Thomas recorded five goals over that stretch, yet he’s up with the Kings right now. Fear not, Sammy Fagemo has dominated San Jose this year, putting up 16 points (11G, 5A) in six games — he sat out the most recent matchup a few weeks ago due to injury.
Upon returning to the lineup on Wednesday, Fagemo was up to his usual ways. He recorded two goals, including the game winner in overtime. On the season, the slick Swede now has 39 goals in 44 games to lead all AHL skaters; even more remarkable because he’s played 17 fewer games than his nearest challenger for the title.
Speaking of players returning from injury, Andre Lee jumped back into the lineup recently after missing two months of action. He has goals in both games since rejoining the Reign. More on his story here:
Looking for the team’s seventh straight victory, Sturm will make a slight adjustment to his third defensive pair tonight, rotating in fresh legs as he’s done pretty much all year long.
In net, rookie Erik Portillo is expected to get the start. He’s already picked up 20 wins and boasts a .924 save percentage. Over his past 12 starts, the 6-foot-6 Swede has amassed a record of 8-2-2 between the pipes.
The Reign currently sit second in the Pacific Division with just seven games remaining on their regular season schedule. At 81 points, Ontario is being challenged by Tucson (79), Colorado (79), Calgary (78), and Abbotsford (78) for that spot — one that Sturm and his squad would like to hold on to.
REIGN PROJECTED LINEUP vs. BARRACUDA
Chromiak – Tynan – Fagemo
Ward – Pinelli – Madden
Lee – Helenius – Doty
Young – Pavlychev – Hodgson
Hicketts – Clarke
Connauton – Santini
Krygier – Nousiainen
Portillo (starter)
Dell
Other roster options include: (F) N/A and (D) Inamoto, Wylie
Injured: Rowe (lower body)
Puck drop is scheduled for 7pm Pacific Time and the game can be viewed on AHL TV.
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