For the next three straight games, Ontario will faceoff with the Tucson Roadrunners. First up, it’s a pair of back-to-back games in Arizona this weekend, followed by a game hosted by the Reign on Wednesday night — and that will conclude their eight-game season series.
In five previous matchups thus far, Ontario has gone 3-1-1, while offense has been the name of the game. When they last met for a pair of games in January, the Reign posted 6 goals in the opener and 7 goals the following night. In total, they’ve potted 26 goals in five games vs. the Roadrunners this season.
Speaking of offense… while Kings prospect Gabe Vilardi remains red-hot in the AHL this season — recording 33 points in 31 games, including 15 goals — don’t sleep on fellow LA draftee Jaret Anderson-Dolan. Although he ultimately projects as more of a bottom-6 forward, JAD has eight goals in his past nine games. And he kicked off the scoring in Wednesday’s game:
Anderson-Dolan gives the #Reign a 1-0 lead on the powerplay. His 19th goal of the season.
ASST: Vilardi(18), Spence(32) pic.twitter.com/yJqfQaDIof
— Eric (@kingsgifs2) February 24, 2022
Since taking a rough hit into the boards earlier this month, Alex Turcotte has been sidelined. The Reign will be without his services tonight, as well. It remains a day-to-day situation.
The original play: pic.twitter.com/P2DpDksRUp
— The Mayor | John Hoven (@mayorNHL) February 26, 2022
video via Kings GIFs
ONTARIO REIGN PROJECTED LINEUP vs. TUCSON ROADRUNNERS on 2/26
Vilardi – Kupari – Fagemo
Madden – Tynan – Frk
JAD – Thomas – Tkachev
Wagner – Sutter – Doty
Other options include: Burke, Dudas, Sodergran, Turcotte
Gaunce – Spence
Wolanin – Grans
Phillips – Strand
Other options include: Kasastul
Villalta (starter)
Lethemon
Puck drop is scheduled for 6pm today and the game can be viewed on AHL TV.
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Lead photo via Mike Zitek
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Mayor, legit question… there must be some concern at this point at the durability of the former #5 overall pick at this point. He hasn’t completed a season all the way back to Wisconsin. Set aside the underwhelming numbers at even the AHL level (even if he “drives the play”) and the glacial development compared to the entire top 20 of his draft class, but man oh man…this young man just seems to have a black cloud following him at every level.
It’s been incredibly frustrating as a fan and I can only imagine how frustrating it must be as a player but I want to ask, the Kings seem to insist on shoehorning him into a role that endures a tremendous amount of punishment, why not let the player not take a beating in the paint and use more of the supposed “silk” that has been advertised?
I attend a lot of ONT games and the ones where he is in the lineup, he just gets rocked every game. It seems this player insists on or is being made to play through players as opposed to around players. Sometimes the most linear path isn’t the best path, especially given this players extensive injury history.
He is not being forced (or shoehorned) into any role. He’s an offensive driver and has been impressive all season when in the lineup. He does many things that go unnoticed when just looking at the box score.
While some comments on social media have fans suggesting he’s injury prone, he’s more been a victim of bad luck. For example, one of his own teammates took him out in practice at one point. More recently, he was lit up along the boards via a play that should have been a suspension.
Your larger point has merit. Turcotte will need to adapt his style to the pro game to avoid injury. He adds tremendous value when in the lineup, not when he’s sidelined.
He’s a work in process. Needs more AHL seasoning. Still has some professional maturing to go through as part of his development. Be patient.
Thanks for your take Mayor.