With just two games left before the AHL All-Star break, the Ontario Reign are heading into a pivotal weekend - and it’s anything but a breather. A home-and-home series against the surging Bakersfield Condors begins Friday night in Bakersfield, and the stakes couldn’t be much higher in the Pacific Division race.
Let’s set the scene: Ontario and Colorado are currently tied atop the division with 60 points apiece. Right behind them?
Bakersfield, sitting just three points back at 57 - and with a game in hand on the Reign. That’s the kind of razor-thin margin that can flip the standings in a hurry.
And with the Condors riding a three-game win streak and posting a 7-2-1 record over their last 10, they’re not just knocking on the door - they’re kicking it in.
A big reason for Bakersfield’s recent success? Quinn Hutson.
The 24-year-old forward has been electric this season, piling up 24 goals and 18 assists through 39 games. He’s been the engine behind their offense, and the Reign will need to keep close tabs on him all weekend long.
But Ontario’s not coming in empty-handed. They’re getting a timely boost on the blue line with captain Joe Hicketts returning to the lineup after a brief stint with the LA Kings. Hicketts, a steadying veteran presence, brings leadership and puck-moving ability that should help anchor the defense - especially with Jakub Dvorak sidelined due to a minor injury and Otto Salin still not quite ready to return.
This marks the first time in nearly two weeks that both Hicketts and forward Kenny Connors will be in the lineup together, giving the Reign a bit of extra structure and experience - something that could prove crucial in a high-stakes, playoff-style matchup like this.
Between the pipes, Erik Portillo gets the nod for Ontario. The 25-year-old netminder is looking to bounce back after a rare loss last Sunday, which snapped his 10-game winning streak.
Friday’s game will be his first start against Bakersfield in over a year - his last appearance against the Condors came on January 24, 2025, also in Bakersfield, where he allowed just two goals en route to a win. He’ll be aiming for a similar result this time around.
One area where Ontario needs to tighten up? The third period.
Over their last four games, the Reign have managed just 12 shots total in the final frame. That’s not a typo - 12 shots across 80 minutes of third-period hockey.
It’s a trend that’s been holding them back, and if they want to keep pace in the division, they’ll need to find a way to generate more pressure late in games. Especially against a team like Bakersfield, who’s proven they can close strong.
Here’s a look at the projected lineup for Ontario heading into Friday’s matchup:
Forwards:
- Lee - Gawdin - Chromiak
- Alexandrov - Connors - Guttman
- Jamsen - Pinelli - Wright
- Hughes - Lawrence - Doty
Defensemen:
- Hicketts - Bolduc
- Booth - Millar
- Kirsanov - Rego
Goaltender:
- Erik Portillo (starter)
Scratches (expected):
- Forwards: Brown, Ziemmer
- Defensemen: Dvorak, Salin
Unavailable:
- Recalled to LA: Ward
- Injured: Burroughs
Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. PT, and the game will be streamed on FloSports. Fans can also tune in via the Reign radio feed.
The two teams will run it back on Saturday night at Toyota Arena in Ontario. With the standings this tight and momentum hanging in the balance, this weekend could be a defining stretch in the Reign’s season.