Ontario’s two game win streak came to a halt, as the visiting Tucson Roadrunners took down the Reign 3-1 in Brandt Clarke’s final game on his conditioning assignment.
Tucson opened up the scoring late in the first period when a deflected shot made its way past Reign netminder, Phoenix Copley. However, Ontario responded just over a minute later after Chromiak picked up a loose puck and found a way to get it over to Aidan Dudas, who threw it into the open cage.
In the middle stanza, Tucson struck within the first two minutes on a powerplay to retake the lead, thanks to a fluttering one-timer.
Trailing 2-1 in the third period, Ontario had plenty of chances to tie things up, including a power play where Alex Turcotte managed to bounce a puck off both the crossbar and the left post. An empty net goal sealed things for the Roadrunners late, ending any attempt of a Reign comeback.
In addition to collecting assists on Ontario’s lone goal of the evening, both Samuel Helenius and Martin Chromiak stood out most of the night. The former was all over the ice, in hard on both the forecheck and backcheck. Helenius, a second round selection of the Kings in 2021, was also celebrating his 20th birthday.
Meanwhile, Chromiak was causing havoc in the offensive zone often, showing off his wicked shot.
Ontario will have the opportunity to get the bad taste out of their mouth quickly. Sunday afternoon, they are set for a rematch against Tucson.
Additional Postgame Notes
1-1 after 20min in Ontario
Goal from Dudas, assisted by Helenius and Chromiak
Here's some P1 action via MM photog @Stopani_Photos 👇 pic.twitter.com/Sd4vm5jrxW
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) November 27, 2022
P2 action
📸 @Stopani_Photos pic.twitter.com/j6FMosUwZ9
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) November 27, 2022
He ate two solid rights. Ouch.
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) November 27, 2022
Clarke said some of the Kings have been texting him while he's been here — guys like Mikey Anderson, etc. When he saw most of the Kings for Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, who did Durzi ask about the most? Trainers and staff in Ontario.
Reason #497 why teammates love Durzi.
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) November 27, 2022
Dudas on losing @AkilThomas2 for the rest of the regular season… pic.twitter.com/GuMjvxpJQ1
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) November 27, 2022
Dudas — I think we need to find more consistency as a team. We kind of started off slow, gave up a few odd man rushes. But we know we have the ability in our room. We have the talent, the skill, the players to win every game.I think it just comes down to being mentally prepared.
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) November 27, 2022
Clarke assesses his performance in final game of AHL conditioning stint… pic.twitter.com/tIBds41dio
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) November 27, 2022
How much of a competitor is Brandt Clarke?
Although he spoke about his excitement to rejoin the Kings on the ice Sunday morning, he also shared sincere frustration re: not being able to join his Reign teammates in trying to get their win back vs. Tucson tomorrow.
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) November 27, 2022
RELATED CONTENT:
Ontario Reign Projected Lineup vs. Tucson Roadrunners; Clarke’s Last Stand
Lead photo via Daniel Stopani
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