Defenseman Nick Ebert, taken with the very last pick at the 2012 NHL Draft, has been anything but irrelevant since joining the Ontario Reign less than two weeks ago. He now has points in six straight games, including goals in two of the team’s three playoff games played thus far. However, nothing may be more important than his huge blast from the point that tied Friday night’s game in Utah with less than 30 seconds remaining in regulation. Kings’ goaltending prospect JF Berube made 25 saves overall and had kept it close for the first 59 minutes, allowing Ebert’s goal to tie things up 1-1 and force overtime.
With their 2-1 OT victory, Ontario now has a 3-0 edge in the series and will try to close things out in Game 4 later tonight.
Here are some highlights and additional notes from Game 3…
Game report provided by the Reign, LA Kings ECHL affiliate…
WEST VALLEY CITY, UT – The Ontario Reign (3-0-0), back-to-back Pacific Division Champions and proud affiliate of the NHL’s 2012 Stanley Cup Champion Los Angeles Kings, came from behind to beat the Utah Grizzlies (0-2-1) 2-1 in Game 3 at Maverik Center on Friday night.
A penalty shot gave way to the first goal of the night. David Walker was called for taking down Chris Donovan as he came bursting into the Reign zone. The penalty shot was awarded to Donovan who beat Berube’s glove side for the lone tally of the period.
In the second period both teams were held scoreless; something new for the Reign in the playoffs thus far as they have registered at least one goal per period in their first two contests.
As the third period was drawing to an end, Jason Christie pulled Berube for an extra attacker to try and tie the game. With 30 seconds remaining on the clock, rookie Nick Ebert netted the equalizer to change the tide of the game. The defenseman fired a shot top shelf from the point on Shane Owen’s glove side. Matt Register and Jake Hauswirth had the two assists.
The game was sent into overtime and 5:11 into the extra frame Hauswirth made his way on the scoresheet again scoring the game-winning goal. Kevin Estrada fed Register who fired a long shot on net; Hauswirth was in the slot to pick up the rebound and bury it home for the Reign who took a 3-0 lead in the series with the win.
Berube earned his third straight victory stopping 25 of 26 shots; Owen took the loss with 36 saves on 38 shots.
Three Stars:
1. ONT – Jake Hauswirth
2. UTA – Shane Owen
3. UTA – Chris Donovan
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About John Hoven
Keep rolling along Reign train!