After what’s been an eventful week for several Reign regulars, it’s time to get back to business. For the third time in the last five games, coach Andrew Lord’s group will face the Tucson Roadrunners — only ythis time on home ice at Toyota Arena.
Fresh on the heels of several Ontario players being recalled to the Kings during their brief NHL mini-camp at the end of February, a trip of them actually saw game action on Monday. Seeing Kenny Connors suit up with the Kings was long overdue, and he didn’t disappoint. What was a bit more surprising was that Jared Wright and Angus Booth also drew into LA’s lineup, as well.
On top of the debuting trio, goaltender Erik Portillo was also up with the Kings on an emergency recall. He served as backup in that same game earlier this week but is now back with the Reign and is expected to get the start this evening.
Booth and Wright were also loaned back to Ontario ahead of tonight’s matchup.
The 21-year-old defenseman, who had just three goals in 93 career AHL contests, lit the lamp in his first NHL game, catching just about everybody off guard. As for Wright, despite not getting on the scoresheet, he impressed by flashing his elite speed and not shying away from the physical side of the game.
In the AHL, Wright’s plus-25 rating leads this year’s rookie class and is tied for fifth among all skaters. Additionally, His 15 goals are tied for fourth among rookies, and his 28 points are tied for 11th.
While Connors remains up with the Kings, it’s worth noting that these other players will be skating in their third game in just four days: after also appearing in Ontario’s contest Sunday afternoon. A stretch like this has become rare at the AHL level in recent years. Doing it on the heels of an NHL game against the league’s top team only heightens the challenge.
Tonight, the Reign will aim to accomplish something they haven’t done yet this season, extend their current winning streak to five games.
With just 19 games remaining and Ontario tied with Colorado for first place, every game from here on out carries significant weight.
Reign Projected Lineup vs. Roadrunners
If there are any key changes during pregame warmups, this article will be updated.
Alexandrov – Gawdin – Guttman
Lee – Pinelli – Chromiak
Jamsen – Brown – Wright
Ziemmer – Lawrence – Doty
Kirsanov – Booth
Hicketts – Salin
Bolduc – Millar
Portillo (starter)
Copley
Likely scratches: (F) Hughes and (D) Dvorak, Rego
Recalled to LA: Ward
Injured: Burroughs
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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