Much like their NHL counterpart, the Ontario Reign clinched a playoff spot well before the official end of the regular season. The Reign have two games remaining on their schedule, as they’ll play a home-and-home series against the Henderson Silver Knights. There is also still plenty to play for because Ontario’s playoff opponent has not been solidified just yet.
Currently, the Reign are tied for fifth place in the Pacific Division standings, matching the Condors with 74 points each. There are two playoff scenarios right now for the Reign, and both will have them open their post-season schedule on the road: they’ll play a best-of-three series in Colorado against the Eagles or up in Abbotsford opposite the Canucks. Although both involve travel, the Reign would still like to take that fifth seed by collecting four points this weekend.
Much to the delight of coach Marco Sturm, the Reign are enjoying a relatively full and healthy squad down the stretch — especially on the back end. Last time out saw a reuniting of their top defensive pair featuring Toby Bjornfot and Jordan Spence. Both Kings prospects have spent a fair amount of time shuttling between the NHL and AHL in recent weeks.
Overall, Ontario brings a head-to-head record of 4-2-0 against the Silver Knights, largely riding the play of captain TJ Tynan (6 points) and Tyler Madden (4 goals) over that stretch.
Based upon practice yesterday, below is how things are most likely going to be set up tonight. Note that a change on the second or third defensive pair isn’t out of the question — with Kim Nousiainen and Helge Grans the most likely candidates to return.
ONTARIO REIGN PROJECTED LINEUP vs. HENDERSON SILVER KNIGHTS
Andersson – Tynan – Quine
Madden – Turcotte – Fagemo
Dudas – Thompson – Chromiak
Lee – Schnarr – Ward
Björnfot – Spence
Krygier – Gaunce
Moverare – Bisson
Petersen
Villalta
Portillo
Likely game scratches: Goulbourne, Grans, Helenius, Inamoto, Linden, Nousiainen
Recalled to NHL: Kupari
Out long-term, injured: Thomas, Doty
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00pm PST tonight and the game can be viewed on AHL TV.
Lineup graphic via ALo Images
Note to webmasters/reporters: When recapping news or interviews from this site please remember to include a link to www.MayorsManor.com