While their parent LA Kings are coming off big games in Alberta, the Ontario Reign are about to embark on an important pair of games this weekend vs. the Colorado Eagles.
Both teams have already punched their ticket for the 2022 Calder Cup Playoffs; sitting second and third in the Pacific Division, respectively. Currently, the Reign hold a six point advantage over the Eagles, yet Colorado also has three games in hand. The two clubs are about to become very familiar with each other, as they’ll meet up five times over the final 11 games of the season — including a back-to-back set in Ontario beginning Friday, followed by three more in Colorado later this month.
Of course, it was the Eagles who came from behind to eliminate the Reign in their single elimination playoff game last season. Since then, the clubs have only met once – back on November 7, a 4-3 Reign win. In that game, three of the goals came from Jaret Anderson-Dolan and Alex Turcotte, neither of whom will be in the lineup tonight. JAD is up with the Kings on an emergency recall and Turcotte is still out injured.
With all the focus on LA Kings injuries of late, here are a few Ontario Reign updates…
— Alex Turcotte is not expected to skate for at least a few more weeks.
— Tyler Madden was expected out 4-6 weeks from date of injury (3/9). So it's been 3 weeks.
— Frk remains DTD
— The Mayor | John Hoven (@mayorNHL) March 31, 2022
Joining the Reign lineup will be the second new face this week. On Wednesday, it was Samuel Helenius making his AHL debut. Tonight, it will be Andre Lee drawing in for his first taste of life with the Reign. Lee signed his Entry Level Contract earlier this week, opting to turn pro after his junior season wrapped up at UMass Lowell. Below are two articles where you can learn more about the very promising 6-foot-5 forward:
LA Kings 2021 Prospect Rankings – Honorable Mentions: Forwards
Kings Of The Podcast: Ep. Q26 with Andre Lee and David Hrenak
Lee won’t be the only 2019 NHL Draft pick making his AHL debut tonight. Colorado Avalanche prospect Bowen Byram has been assigned to the Eagles and is set to play this weekend. Over the past two seasons, the left shot defenseman has suited up in 37 NHL games. Byram was originally selected fourth overall by the Avs, just one pick before Turcotte.
ONTARIO REIGN PROJECTED LINEUP vs. COLORADO EAGLES
Ward – Tynan – Fagemo
Tkachev – Thomas – Dudas
Lee – Sutter – Ierullo
Pavlychev – Helenius – Doty
Other options include: Frk
Injured: Madden
Unavailable: Turcotte (explained here)
Gaunce – Grans
Hickey – Allard
Wolanin – Nogier
Other options include: Kasastul
Villalta (starter)
Parik
Puck drop is scheduled for 7pm tonight and the game can be viewed on AHL TV.
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NHL RADIO REPLAY: Mayor’s Minutes – Hoven on Kings Goaltending, Durzi’s Future, and LA Playoff Hopes
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