Rookie defenseman Brandt Clarke shined, as Ontario got back in the win column with a 3-2 victory over Henderson on Sunday afternoon.
LA’s first-round pick in 2021, Clarke, was dominant all night long. He showed poise and confidence with the puck, along with creating lanes to get shots through. The 19-year-old registered his first professional goal, as well as a primary assist in his third AHL game.
Samuel Fagemo also found himself back on the scoresheet with a pair of assists, after going six games without a point.
Fellow Kings prospect Quinton Byfield seems to be finding his game once again, as well. Throughout Ontario’s backend of their home-and-home weekend series, Byfield used his big frame and speed to create high-quality play in all three zones. The 20-year-old forward recorded his second goal since being assigned to the Reign about a week ago on an unofficial conditioning assignment.
Although Alex Turcotte did not register a point, he was still effective; mostly making crisp passes that led to scoring chances. Jordan Spence continues to be elite on the back end, routinely showing his top-4 potential. In a rather interesting note, the 21-year-old was very physical Sunday, in addition to notching his 13th assist of the season.
Byfield’s goal came on the power play, just three minutes into the game. After a faceoff won by the Reign, Spence ripped a shot that was deflected in by the big center. This was the first time since November 11 that Ontario scored a goal in the first period.
Henderson knotted the game at one apiece in the second frame, after they cashed in on a fortuitous bounce. Eight minutes later, Clarke put the Reign back in front by jamming home a loose puck in front of the net.
Later, in the third period, Tyler Madden extended Ontario’s lead to two on the power play. It all began with Clarke doing what he’s known for, creating offensive opportunities. This time around, he found Madden on the right side, who then wristed a shot just inside the post. Henderson didn’t go quietly, as they scored with just a few seconds remaining in regulation to bring it to 3-2, yet they weren’t able to send the game into overtime.
After a frustrating five-game skid, there were lots of positives from the Reign side, including getting lots of contributions from LA’s young prospects. Additionally, Ontario’s special teams were perfect; the power play scored on both opportunities and the penalty kill shut down each of the Silver Knights’ man advantages.
Other Game Notes
Brandt Clarke has two more games with the @ontarioreign, both are at home:
Wed 11/23 vs SJ
Sat 11/26 vs TUCTickets available here https://t.co/iERbU1KJYz
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) November 21, 2022
Top bids on tonight's @ontarioreign #HockeyFightsCancer jerseys:
$1350 Tynan
$1100 Villalta
$1051 Spence
$1000 Dudas, Grans, Turcotte
$975 Byfield, Clarke pic.twitter.com/sulOur5Vlx— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) November 21, 2022
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) November 21, 2022
P1 action
📸 @Stopani_Photos pic.twitter.com/OwWimfx8io— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) November 21, 2022
https://twitter.com/mayorNHL/status/1594466694763667456
LA KINGS ROSTER MOVES:
Rasmus Kupari, Lias Andersson, and Jacob Moverare returned to AHL Ontario.
Likely a paper transaction or two in there.
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) November 20, 2022
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Ontario Reign Projected Lineup vs. Henderson Silver Knights; Searching For Answers
Lead photo by MM photographer Daniel Stopani
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