Tonight, the Ontario Reign kick off one of the most anticipated playoff runs in franchise history.
After setting regular-season records in Andrew Lord’s first year behind the bench — 99 points and 47 wins en route to an AHL Pacific Division title — Ontario earned a first-round bye in the Calder Cup Playoffs. It also marks the first postseason game at Toyota Arena since 2024. Last season, a scheduling conflict with Disney on Ice forced the Reign to play both of their home games at Crypto.com Arena, where they were swept in two games.
Back in their barn, Ontario renews its rivalry with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, located just 79 miles east down the I-10. During that 2024 run, the Reign swept through the first two rounds, winning five straight games. They then faced the defending Western Conference champion Firebirds, who turned the tables and swept Ontario in three games, leaving a bitter taste behind.
“This team deserved better,” said current Kings radio announcer Josh Schaefer, who was then serving as the voice of the Reign.
Two years later, the chance to rewrite that script has arrived.
The Reign will also be reinforced, with Jared Wright returning to the lineup and expected to suit up tonight. Wright closed the season in Los Angeles, playing in their final 22 games and appearing in all four playoff contests against the Colorado Avalanche. Prior to his call-up, he caught fire down the stretch, scoring five goals over his final three games. He finished his AHL season with 30 points (17G, 13A) in 54 games and should be a massive boost to what is already a deep lineup.
Ontario will also get another boost up front with Nikita Alexandrov returning to the lineup. Mayor’s Manor has learned he’s good to go after missing the final stretch of the regular season with an injury. Given his production this year — 42 points in 48 games — getting him back for the postseason is significant.
Erik Portillo will get the start for Ontario after a strong season. He’s one of the few remaining players from that 2024 run, and with an injury keeping him out of last year’s playoffs, this is personal. It’s his first postseason start since that Firebirds series.
For more on the series preview, read here.
Reign Projected Lineup vs. Firebirds
If there are any key changes during pregame warmups, this article will be updated.
Alexandrov – Gawdin – Guttman
Lee – Connors – Wright
Jamsen – Pinelli – Chromiak
Ziemmer- Brown– Doty
Kirsanov – Booth
Hicketts – Brzustewicz
Novikov – Millar
Portillo (starter)
Copley
Add isogai and Hughes to scratch list
Likely scratches: (F) Hughes, Isogai, Jenik, G. Slukynsky and (D) Dvorak, Salin and (G) H. Slukynsky
Injured: Burroughs
Recalled to NHL: Wright
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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