Matthew Villalta’s 31 save shutout led Ontario to a 2-0 victory over Colorado on Thursday. For the 23-year-old netminder, it was his first shutout since April 24, 2021. At the other end of the ice, Lias Andersson fueled the offense, scoring both goals.
Despite a scoreless first period, it was a high-paced opening frame from both sides, including multiple scoring chances on each squad.
Ontario finally broke the ice 10 minutes into the middle stanza thanks to a power play goal by Andersson. The play began when Jordan Spence took a slap shot from the point, it took a fortunate bounce off the back wall onto Andersson’s stick, and he banged it home to open the scoring. A former first round selection with the New York Rangers, Andersson later added another goal with just 11 seconds remaining in the period.
Colorado tried to turn the tide in the third period. However, Villalta and the Reign were up for the task, as they shut down the Eagles final push.
Kings prospect Tobias Bjornfot was injured in the second period, and he did not return for the third. His status for Saturday’s rematch remains in question.
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