Winners of five straight games, now comes the hard part for Ontario coach Marco Sturm — finding a way to do it again.
Wednesday night brings the second part of a back-to-back set in Colorado and the Reign hold a 3-1 edge in the season series. Tuesday might look good on paper, as a 7-3 victory, yet it was anything but easy through the first 30 minutes. A late surge in the second period, followed by a further push in the third — including a highlight reel short-handed goal from Alex Turcotte — helped Sturm and the team overcome a two-goal deficit. Now, they’ll need another solid game to keep the good times rolling.
We’re hearing Turcotte is expected back in the lineup for tonight’s rematch, despite taking a puck to the face in Tuesday’s contest. There will likely be at least one lineup change at forward, with Nikita Pavlychev expected to draw back in.
Injury update from LA:
– Carl Grundstrom injured at yesterday's practice – out until at least end of upcoming road trip
– Gabriel Vilardi did not practice, day-to-day— Dennis Bernstein (@DennisTFP) January 18, 2023
With the Kings needing to recall at least one, possibly two forwards, it will be curious to see who skates tonight vs. possibly sits out (in advance of a recall tomorrow).
Between the pipes, look for goaltender Cal Petersen to give way to Matt Villalta.
Kim Nousiainen is also at least a consideration on defense. For now, we have him penciled as a healthy scratch, though.
ONTARIO REIGN PROJECTED LINEUP vs. COLORADO EAGLES
Andersson – Tynan – Ward
Madden – Turcotte – Fagemo
Dudas – Pavlychev – Chromiak
Lee – Helenius – Wagner
Björnfot – Spence
Bisson – Grans
Moverare – Gaunce
Villalta
Petersen
Game scratches: Allard, Goulbourne, Nousiainen, Quine, Thompson
Recalled to NHL: Kupari
Out injured: Thomas, Doty
Puck drop is scheduled for 6pm PST tonight and the game can be viewed on AHL TV.
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Sturm, McLellan, and Blake Seeing Positive Strides in Reshaping of Ontario Reign
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