For the fifth and final time this month, the Ontario Reign and Abbotsford Canucks will meet up on the ice. After dropping the first three of those contests, coach Marco Sturm’s group took a dominant 4-1 win in their most recent matchup on Friday. Now, for Sunday afternoon’s rematch, it’s likely the Reign will see at least a few lineup changes.
In goal, we’re expecting Matt Villalta to get the start. It’s been several weeks since the 23-year-old netminder has played. In fact, he only has seen action in two games all month — giving up four goals each time, coming in losses to Calgary and San Jose. Over the course of 19 appearances this season, Villalta has yet to face Abbotsford.
Up front, Sammy Helenius missed Friday’s game after being in a fight vs. Tucson earlier in the week. While listed as day-to-day, we’ll have to see if he’s available for this game. He did not skate on one of the top four lines at practice yesterday, so that’s a good indication he could be sitting this one out.
Earlier this week, 6-foot-3 defenseman Cole Krygier was acquired by the LA Kings from Florida. After getting a few practices in with the Reign, it’s likely he slides into the lineup for his pro debut tonight. From an experience standpoint, that would most likely leave Kim Nousiainen as the odd man out.
For more on Krygier, see here:
Kings Add Big, Left Shot Defenseman via Late Trade with Florida
ONTARIO REIGN PROJECTED LINEUP vs. ABBOTSFORD CANUCKS
Andersson – Tynan – Madden
Dudas – Turcotte – Fagemo
Ward – Quine – Chromiak
Lee – Schnarr – Goulbourne
Moverare – Bjornfot
Bisson – Grans
Krygier – Gaunce
Villalta
Petersen
Likely game scratches: Helenius, Inamoto, Nousiainen, Pavlychev, Thompson
Recalled to NHL: Kupari, Spence
Out long-term, injured: Thomas, Doty
Puck drop is scheduled for 3:00pm PST tonight and the game can be viewed on AHL TV.
Lead photo by Daniel Stopani
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