Coming off a win last night against the Tucson Roadrunners, Ontario will quickly have to turn their attention to the incoming Henderson Silver Knights now on Saturday night.
From what we’ve gathered, the Reign will go with the same lineup – certainly something that has been a rarity this season thus far, keeping things together, as is — but why not? Not only did they taste victory for the first time in several weeks, Arthur Kaliyev led the way offensively with three points. He opened the scoring and then later added the game winner in the third period.
Kaliyev with his second goal of the season gives the Reign a 1-0 lead. Assisted by Hults(1), and Kupari (8) #Reign pic.twitter.com/vEcKgbukXL
— Eric (@Kingsgifs) March 13, 2021
Kaliyev gives the Reign 4-3 lead in the 3rd period!
Assisted by Kupari(8) #Reign pic.twitter.com/hhClXlBfTy— Eric (@Kingsgifs) March 13, 2021
Alex Turcotte looked comfortable last night, making his debut on left wing. In fact, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to have the power play go through him at some point. One of the things to note for casual observers — just like at the World Juniors, looking only at a stat sheet won’t tell the full story on Turcotte’s game. So much of what he does to drive plays doesn’t show up in common stats. He was all over the puck last night.
Sammy Fagemo and Rasmus Kupari also continue to impress and it’s not that surprising they’re leading the team in points. Both players are a step or two ahead on the development curve compared to many of the Reign first-year pros.
Two other important notes:
– Jacob Moverare, who we previously noted was close to a return, should play on Ontario’s upcoming road trip to Arizona. On Tuesday, the Reign will begin a two-game series vs. the Roadrunners. He should be a big addition to the Reign blueline, which has struggled for most of the season – especially at getting the pucks up to the forwards.
– With Tyler Madden expected out several more weeks due to this hit, the Reign have signed NHL veteran Devante Smith-Pelly to an AHL PTO contract. He is not scheduled to clear protocol until Tuesday, so he’s not ready to insert into the lineup just yet. However, we’re told he is expected to play in Tucson.
As usual, John is on top of things here https://t.co/EuTbORFW6I
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) March 13, 2021
From what I've gathered, the DSP signing was something that developed recently. With Tyler Madden likely out for a while, this is a good opportunity to get some veteran experience added to the Ontario Reign lineup. Kids need to be supported by more than just coaches and staff.
— John Hoven | The Mayor (@mayorNHL) March 13, 2021
Originally selected by the Anaheim Ducks in the second round at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft (held at Staples Center in Los Angeles), Smith-Pelly won a Stanley Cup with the Washington Capitals in 2018, scoring 7 goals in the postseason that year. In total, he has played in 395 NHL games, picking up 101 points (44G, 57A). He’s also skated in 144 AHL games, recording 90 points (47G, 43A).
As for Saturday’s game against HSK — one of the AHL’s best teams this season — coach John Wroblewski will go with the following lineup:
Ontario Reign Projected Lineup for Sat. 3/13 vs. Henderson Silver Knights
Alex Turcotte – Rasmus Kupari – Arthur Kaliyev
Mikey Eyssimont – Quinton Byfield – Sammy Fagemo
Blaine Byron – Akil Thomas – Aidan Dudas
Boko Imama – Brett Sutter – Nick Halloran
Cole Hults – Austin Strand
Kale Clague – Mark Alt
Cameron Gaunce – Sean Durzi
JF Berube
Jacob Ingham
Saturday’s puck drop is scheduled for 5pm PST and can be streamed through AHL TV.
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