Rather than write a dissertation about what went wrong in San Jose last night, we’re opting to riff off of a phrase from new Ontario Reign coach John Wroblewski – we’re going to lean into the positive.
With the team struggling to find wins, we had been wanting to see Aidan Dudas used in a more prominent role and it finally happened on Saturday night vs. the Barracuda.
Promoted to the top line, playing alongside center Quinton Byfield, Dudas delivered early in the game to put the Reign up 1-0…
Aidan Dudas scores his second goal of the season to give the Reign a 1-0 lead. Assisted by Gaunce(3) #Reign pic.twitter.com/FL3bqG11fq
— Eric (@Kingsgifs) February 28, 2021
Mikey Eyssimont, who seems to be developing some chemistry with AHL rookie Akil Thomas, notched his first goal of the season to give Ontario a 2-0 lead just past the midway point of the first period…
Mikey Eyssimont scores his 1st goal of the season. Assisted by Byfield(4) and Kaliyev(2)#Reign pic.twitter.com/LV8yMitiz7
— Eric (@Kingsgifs) February 28, 2021
After 20 minutes, they were in firm control at 3-0. Once again, the Reign outshot their opponents in both the first and second period. However, San Jose put up four straight goals in the middle frame, taking a 4-3 lead after 40 minutes. Wroblewski swapped his goalies at the break, opting to put JF Berube in for the third.
Despite trailing by a goal and getting two power plays in the third period, Ontario put up a paltry seven shots on goal. None of them found the back of the net and they lost by a final score of 6-3.
Today is a new day and they’ll try again, in a rematch vs. the Barracuda.
Unfortunately, we’ve learned Alex Turcotte will again sit out. As noted yesterday, he’s with the team on the trip, but still not ready for a return.
From the sound of things, Wroblewski is going to try a different approach with his current mix of 11 forwards and 7 defensemen. Markus Phillips will line up at left wing.
All indications are, the Reign will be going with the following today…
Ontario Reign Projected Lineup for Sunday 2/28 vs. San Jose Barracuda
Mikey Eyssimont – Akil Thomas – Arthur Kaliyev
Tyler Madden – Quinton Byfield – Sammy Fagemo
Blaine Byron – Aidan Dudas – Nick Halloran
Markus Phillips – Brett Sutter – Jacob Doty
Kale Clague – Mark Alt
Cameron Gaunce – Sean Durzi
Daniel Brickley – Cole Hults
JF Berube (starter)
Matt Villalta
Puck drop is scheduled for 5pm PST and can be streamed through AHL TV.
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