Riding a nine-game point streak, coach Andrew Lord’s team returns to Ontario tonight hoping to secure two points against the same Coachella Valley Firebirds squad they faced last night.
Emphasizing the importance of earning a victory, the Reign enter tonight riding a nine-game point streak but have dropped each of their last two games in overtime.
It’s not the end of the world. At worst, it amounts to a split, though the Reign would still like to finish the week on a positive note.
Speaking of positives, Martin Chromiak continues to add to what has been a career year. His 21st goal of the season got Ontario on the board first Friday night.
Currently playing on a one-year, two-way contract, it will be worth watching how the LA Kings organization approaches Chromiak’s future when the season concludes.
Staying with the forward group, newest Reign member Jan Jeník—acquired in the trade involving Samuel Bolduc—will not dress tonight. The earliest he could see game action is next weekend, sources tell us at MayorsManor.
One notable statistic: Friday night marked the fifth time this season Ontario has lost back-to-back games. Even so, the Reign have yet to suffer three consecutive losses.
Additionally, Erik Portillo will start in net tonight and has won 15 of his last 18 decisions. When those two trends are combined, Ontario appears well-positioned for a strong performance.
Reign Projected Lineup vs. Firebirds
If there are any key changes during pregame warmups, this article will be updated.
Alexandrov – Gawdin – Guttman
Lee – Connors – Chromiak
Brown – Pinelli – Ziemmer
Isogai – Hughes – Doty
Kirsanov – Booth
Novikov – Millar
Hicketts – Salin
Portillo (starter)
Cooley
Likely scratches: (F) Jenik, Mastrodonato and (D) N/A
Injured: Burroughs, Dvorak, Jamsen
Recalled to NHL: Wright
Key Game Info
Puck drop is set for 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time and will be streamed via FloSports. Additionally, a Reign radio feed is available here.
Follow @mayorNHL
Continue reading...