It seems like nearly every time the Reign have a game this season, the Kings are also scheduled to play the same day. Such is the case again tonight, as Ontario is in San Jose for their third straight game vs. the Barracuda.
Coming off two straight wins over their Pacific Divison rival, we’re not expecting coach Marco Sturm to make any significant lineup changes — beyond returning to Eric Portillo in goal.
The rookie netminder earned a shutout in his last start, a win over the Barracuda last Friday at Toyota Arena. In stopping all 25 shots faced, he earned his second shutout of the season. Portillo now holds a 9-4-1 record with a .917 save percentage.
Forward Akil Thomas has points in all four games against San Jose in 2023-24, including four goals in the past three contests. He was also the feature subject in an article on Mayor’s Manor earlier today:
Sturm has had limited options for personnel swaps lately, with several players nursing injuries. At forward, recently recalled winger Ryan Francis is an option to draw in, if needed.
With player selections for the 2024 AHL All-Star Classic set to be announced in Wednesday, Sammy Fagemo remains red hot. He has the fourth most goals in the league (16) and with only 21 games played. The guys ahead of him have played a minimum of 10 games more, with one at 15 games more.
Fagemo and defenseman Brandt Clarke are the two most likely Reign players to be selected. Should the latter be included, he would be able to play, as the game is scheduled for Feb. 5 and the Kings are off Feb. 1-10 (no, that’s not a typo).
Meanwhile, Kings prospect Alex Turcotte has been skating for several days now (lower body injury) and is on pace to make his return when the team travels to Canada — either in Calgary (Thurs/Fri) or Abbotsford (next Tuesday/Wed).
Last we heard, no decision has been reached yet regarding the Reign carrying three goalies. Aaron Dell is skating and will likely enter the equation soon. With a pair of back-to-back games coming next, somebody besides Portillo is likely to get a game or two.
REIGN PROJECTED LINEUP vs. BARRACUDA
Hudon – Tynan – Fagemo
Ward – Thomas – Madden
Lee – Pinelli – Chromiak
Hodgson – Helenius – Doty
Other options include: Francis
Injured: Turcotte (lower body)
Moverare – Haiskanen
Nousiainen – Santini
Krygier – Wylie
Other options include: Connauton, Inamoto, Martin
Portillo (starter)
Ingham
Puck drop is scheduled for 7pm Pacific Time and the game can be viewed on AHL TV.
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Game day graphic via ALoImages
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