Coming into a weekend where the Reign and Silver Knights will play back-to-back games, Ontario has dominated the season series, taking four of the five games they’ve played thus far. They also held Henderson to just two goals in three of those contests. Ontario holds the league’s best power play (26.8%) and they’ll be taking on a team with the second best penalty kill in the Pacific Division (15th overall in the AHL). Something has to give tonight.
Only one small lineup change is expected, with Kings prospect Aidan Dudas getting another shot to play. He’s been rotated in and out of the lineup a bit lately, usually coming at the expense of Jacob Doty.
When the Reign returned to Ontario on Wednesday night to open a five-game homestand, the night belonged to Lias Andersson — who was playing his first game since early January.
Lias Andersson get the #Reign to within one with less than 2 minutes left
ASST: Fagemo(9), Vilardi(21) pic.twitter.com/ZpcLwxFZbm
— Eric (@kingsgifs2) March 3, 2022
Lias Andersson ties the game! #Reign
Assisted by: Tynan(53) pic.twitter.com/LI9mrnjltD
— Eric (@kingsgifs2) March 3, 2022
With their overtime win on Wednesday, the Reign now have more points than first place Stockton (66 to 64). However, their points percentage of .717 puts them in second place behind the Heat (.744).
As noted in our Wednesday report, Alex Turcotte (out since February 12) is “getting better,” yet is not expected to be available to play this weekend. On a positive note, he has returned to practicing in a regular colored jersey — meaning he’s available to be a full participant, take contact, etc.
ONTARIO REIGN PROJECTED LINEUP vs. HENDERSON SILVER KNIGHTS
Madden – Tynan – Frk
Vilardi – Thomas – Andersson
Tkachev – Kupari – Fagemo
Wagner – Sutter – Dudas
Other options include: Burke, Doty, Turcotte
Gaunce – Spence
Wolanin – Grans
Kasastul – Strand
Other options include: Phillips
Villalta (starter)
Lethemon
Puck drop is scheduled for 7pm tonight and the game can be viewed on AHL TV.
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Lead photo via Daniel Stopani
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