After sweeping their longtime rival, the San Diego Gulls, in round one, it’s now time for some redemption.
Entering the special Pacific Division postseason tournament at the end of the 2021 season, Ontario was one of the AHL’s hottest teams. As the AHL’s only division to host any sort of playoff action following last season’s covid-shortened campaign, the Reign opened that tournament with a single-elimination game vs. the Eagles. It was 2-1 Ontario after the first period and they were up 4-3 earlier in the third period. A shorthanded goal by Keaton Middleton tied things up for Colorado. They later picked up an OT goal by Justin Barron and that was it; the Reign were done.
Fast forward to the present, Ontario finished second in the division this season and finished with the league’s best power play — not just this year, but in league history. They should now be out for revenge, looking to right the wrong of last season’s playoff loss.
Confirmed:
Game 1 @ Colorado 5/11
Game 2 @ Colorado 5/13 https://t.co/TdDYoeVcmb— The Mayor | John Hoven (@mayorNHL) May 7, 2022
As we reported previously, LA Kings prospect Tyler Madden is set for his return. He’s been skating with the Reign for about a week and we’ve confirmed he is expected to draw in tonight for the first time since March 9. Also available, should the coaching staff opt for a little more size in the lineup, are fellow Kings prospects Sammy Helenius and Andre Lee.
ONTARIO REIGN PROJECTED LINEUP vs. COLORADO EAGLES
Madden – Tynan – Frk
Tkachev – Turcotte – Fagemo
JAD – Thomas – Ward
Dudas – Sutter – Doty
Other options include: Helenius, Lee, Wagner
Gaunce – Grans
Wolanin – Allard
Hickey – Nogier
Other options include: Inamoto, Nousiainen
Villalta (starter)
Hrenak
Puck drop for Game 1 in the best-of-five series is scheduled for 6pm PST tonight and can be viewed on AHL TV.
Lead photo via Daniel Stopani.
RELATED CONTENT:
Kings Of The Podcast: Episode 100 with Tyler and John Madden
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