For the third straight season, the Ontario Reign were eliminated from postseason play by Colorado. Friday night’s 6-4 loss gave the Eagles a clean sweep in their best-of-three Opening Round matchup.
Despite a late push, coach Marco Sturm and the Reign were simply unable to overcome a three-goal deficit they had dug for themselves.
Lias Andersson opened up the scoring early in the first period when he finished off a feed from Nate Schnarr. Ontario’s lead wouldn’t last for long, though, as Colorado evened the score less than two minutes later. It appeared to be a controversial goal, considering it seemed as if Cal Petersen had the puck covered. Regardless, it counted and with the score tied 1-1 at the end of the period, Colorado had controlled the overall pace of play.
In the middle period, the Eagles took over the game by scoring twice, pushing their lead to 3-1 after 40 minutes, creating a rather desperate Ontario squad.
Colorado extended their lead to three goals by taking advantage of a power play in the third period. However, moments later, Aidan Dudas answered with a shorthanded goal, showing off a great individual effort before firing the puck into the back of the net. Once again, the Eagles took it right back less than a minute later via another power play goal. Even as they were down by three, Ontario did not shy away. Both Nate Thompson and Andersson scored to get Ontario within one. Time wasn’t in their side; it wasn’t enough. In the dying seconds of regulation, the Eagles added an empty netter to seal the victory.
Now begins a summer of uncertainty in Ontario. Sturm is believed to be in the final year of his contract. Will he be back? Petersen is expected to get a long look during Kings training camp for a possible return to the NHL. Matt Villalta is a Restricted Free Agent and the organization may opt to go in another direction — especially after signing prospect Erik Portillo. In addition, Toby Bjornfot most likely will not be back with the Reign next season, as he will be out of waivers and should be on an NHL roster. Forwards Sammy Fagemo, Tyler Madden, Akil Thomas and Aidan Dudas are also now out of waivers.
Postgame Videos:
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Lead photo via Colorado Eagles
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Complete tragedy that the refs allowed the first Col. goal to stand after the Eagles pushed Cal into the net.
Complete bush league embarrassment to the AHL.
They need to have better refs and player safety.
The emphasis should be on protecting young talent at the expense of severe suspensions when a player is injured.
Gotta say Sturm did not get much done after being demoted.
You gotta get some coaches with the criticality of Brandt Clarke’s development next years big story.