Undefeated in regulation in the month of February, and sitting at 7-2-1 in their past 10 games, the Ontario Reign are riding high right now. In stark contrast, the San Diego Gulls are 3-7-0 and firmly in last place among all AHL teams. However, if this feels like what’s happening with the Kings and Ducks up in the NHL, then remember back to no further than last night in Anaheim. It was a typical battle between two longtime rivals. The same can expected in America’s Finest City later this evening.
After taking down Coachella Valley on Friday — and before they play a home-an-home series with the Firebirds next week — the Reign can’t look past this matchup with the Gulls. Sure, they’ve gone 5-1 in six previous games against San Diego this season… yet history says this will still be a tough matchup.
Coach Marco Sturm is expected to turn to goaltender Matt Villalta for this one; after using Cal Petersen in the opener of this weekend’s back-to-back set. As we first reported on Friday, Kings prospect Alex Turcotte will not play tonight.
With a few extra forwards to select from right now, Sturm will possibly look to make one additional move. Tyrell Goulbourne, Jack Becker, or Austin Wagner may slide in for somebody like Nikita Pavlychev.
ONTARIO REIGN PROJECTED LINEUP vs. SAN DIEGO GULLS
Andersson – Tynan – Madden
Ward – Quine – Fagemo
Dudas – Thompson – Chromiak
Lee – Helenius – Pavlychev
Bisson – Spence
Moverare – Grans
Nousiainen – Allard
Villalta
Petersen
Likely game scratches: Becker, Gaunce, Inamoto, Goulbourne, Turcotte, Wagner
Recalled to NHL: Bjornfot, Kupari
Out injured: Thomas, Doty
Puck drop is scheduled for 7pm PST tonight and the game can be viewed on AHL TV.
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