Manor WEDNESDAY: Reign Projected Lineup at Eagles, Winner Takes First Place and Lord Note

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Wednesday night brings the second game of a back-to-back set in Colorado, as the Eagles will once again host coach Andrew Lord and his young Reign squad.

With their 6-3 victory on the mountain last night, Ontario moved into first place (based on points) in the Pacific Division. As with the NHL standings, it’s always a good idea to sort the standings by points percentage, as that helps tell a more accurate story — and here, the Reign have played three more games than the Eagles, so it does make a difference.

Nonetheless, with their win less than 24 hours ago, Lord saw his crew take a one-point lead over Colorado. If they can win again tonight, they’ll create a three-point cushion. A loss will essentially revert things to the way they were before the quick two-game series began, with Colorado leading by a single point.

Overall, things are razor thin between the clubs, as they both hold 17 regulation wins (RW) on the season, along with both accumulating 21 wins in regulation and overtime (ROW). If things stay this close all the way through the end of the season, head-to-head performance could be a factor come April.

Thus far, Ontario holds a 3-1-0 advantage in what will ultimately play out as an 8-game season series. Further, Ontario is 2-1-0 when playing on the road at Blue Arena. Tonight marks the end of that portion of the schedule, with the final three games of the series all set for Toyota Arena in Ontario.

Tonight’s contest also has the potential to bring a small piece of history to the story. A victory over the Eagles in this one would accomplish something the Reign have never done as an AHL affiliate, win back-to-back games in Colorado. The last time the Reign pulled off consecutive wins while playing a mile high came in Jan. 2013, when both teams were members of the ECHL. Thirteen years later, Ontario has an opportunity to make it happen once again.

Earlier this season, Ontario made another trip to Colorado and started out by winning the opening game of that back-to-back set, only to be overwhelmed 6-1 in the second contest. It was a subtle reminder of just how difficult it is to pull off consecutive wins in that building in any year. Adding to the challenge in 2025-26, the Eagles boast the AHL’s best home record. Combine the typical home-ice advantage with Colorado’s elevation — something visiting teams notoriously struggle with — and it’s easy to see why the Eagles are consistently dominant on home ice year after year.

After turning in a strong performance last night, goaltender Erik Portillo is expected to hand the crease over to Phoenix Copley, who was outstanding in Colorado last month. Copley stopped 27-of-29 shots in a 3-2 win over the Eagles in December.

Momentum is Building for Lord​

A note from Mayor’s Manor editor John Hoven:

First-year Eagles head coach Mark Letestu was recently announced as the person to guide this year’s Pacific Division squad at next month’s AHL All-Star Game. Having is team atop the standings is certainly a worthy accomplishment. However, he’s not the only bench boss who should be getting consideration for Coach of the Year in a few months.

Lord, Ontario’s own first-year coach, has been doing a fabulous job. Life in the AHL is often rife with roster changes, and Ontario has had their fair share throughout the 2025-26 campaign. From goaltenders in and out of the lineup, to some of their best offensive players being recalled to the NHL, Lord has taken it all in stride and made countless adjustments that have helped keep the Reign Train rolling.

Then there’s the kids to consider, as well. He’s working with a lineup filled with first year pros — including Kenny Connors, Jared Wright, and Kirill Kirsanov. All have exceeded expectations to date, and some of that can be attributed to coaching. Mix in the ongoing development of second-year guys like Angus Booth, Jakub Dvorak, Aatu Jamsen, and there’s plenty of credit that should rightfully end up at Lord’s doorstep.

There’s still plenty of work to do and lots of games left. However, should his team win the division, Lord’s star will continue to shine — and rise with a steep upward trajectory.

A Brief Look Back​

Last night’s game was fascinating from start to finish. Despite being outshot 34-21, Ontario capitalized on their opportunities, finishing with an impressive goal-to-shot ratio.

Here’s a fun nugget from the game too: the Reign scored on their first shot in each of the three periods. That’s certainly one way to set the tone.

Defenseman Samuel Bolduc got the party started in the first period, then Francesco Pinelli broke the tie in the second, followed by Jamsen breaking things open in the third. All three goals came on the Reign’s first shot of each period.

Furthermore, a nice third-period goal from Wright, set up by Connors, served as the cherry on top. Seeing two highly touted Kings prospects connect against the first-place team in the Pacific Division is always a welcome sight.

Finally, 23-year-old Martin Chromiak added his 15th goal of the season on the power play, continuing what has already been a strong campaign for him.

Reign Projected Lineup vs. Eagles​

If there are any key changes during pregame warmups, this article will be updated.

Alexandrov – Gawdin – Guttman
Chromiak – Connors – Wright
Jamsen – Pinelli – Hughes
Isogai – Lawrence – Doty

Hicketts – Salin
Dvorak – Bolduc
Kirsanov – Booth

Copley (starter)
Portillo

Likely scratches: (F) Brown, Ziemmer and (D) Rego

Recalled to LA: Lee and Ward

Injured: Burroughs, Millar

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.

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