After a dominant run to first place, the Ontario Reign have hit a bit of turbulence, dropping three straight games. But don't let that fool you-each loss came in overtime or a shootout, keeping their point streak alive at an impressive 10 games. Coach Andrew Lord's squad has shown resilience, a hallmark since he took over last summer.
Tonight, they’re looking to bounce back against the last-place Abbotsford Canucks at Toyota Arena. While it might seem like an easy matchup, the Reign know better.
Just last month, they lost two to the Canucks before a win sparked their seven-game streak. Otto Salin, a first-year pro, scored the decisive goal in that pivotal game and is expected to play tonight, with Jakub Dvorak likely sitting out.
In roster news, Jan Jenik’s debut is postponed following a trade from the Senators, and Aatu Jamsen remains sidelined. Meanwhile, rookie Koehn Ziemmer is set to move up to the second line.
His recent form, including a two-goal game against Coachella Valley, has earned him this promotion. Ziemmer, with six goals in his last 11 games, credits his junior hockey experience and daily regimen for his late-season surge.
Veteran goalie Pheonix Copley is expected to start, looking to rebound from his last outing against Abbotsford where he allowed five goals. He’s been solid otherwise, with three wins in his last four starts.
This marks the Reign's final home game in March before they hit the road for games in Iowa, Henderson, and Tucson.
Behind the scenes, Ontario’s parent club, the Los Angeles Kings, is eyeing college free agents who often start in the AHL. Keep an eye out for any last-minute changes during pregame warmups.
Projected Lineup:
- Brown - Gawdin - Guttman
- Alexandrov - Pinelli - Ziemmer
- Lee - Connors - Chromiak
- Isogai - Hughes - Doty
Defensive Pairings:
- Kirsanov - Booth
- Novikov - Millar
- Hicketts - Salin
Goalies:
- Copley (starter)
- Portillo
Scratches: Jenik, Mastrodonato, Salin
Injured: Burroughs, Jamsen
Recalled to NHL: Wright
As the Reign aim to end their skid, tonight's game promises to be a test of their resolve and a chance to keep momentum on their side.