Ontario Reign: Three takeaways from 4-2 loss to Colorado

Goal Breakdown

First period:

ONT: PP Lias Andersson (27), ASST: Jordan Spence (38), TJ Tynan (65)

COL: Mikhail Mahltsev (9), ASST: Alex Galchenyuk (19), Nate Clurman (10)

Second period:

ONT: Cameron Gaunce (2), ASST: Aidan Dudas (18), Cole Krygier (1)

COL: Ben Meyers (5), ASST: Charles Hudon (23), Nate Clurman (11)

Third period:

COL: PP Charles Hudon (26), ASST: Spencer Smallman (9)

COL: Ryan Wagner (6), ASST: Nate Clurman (12), Callahan Burke (20)

Stats

Goals: 

COL: 4

ONT: 2

Shots: 

COL: 26

ONT: 38

Power-plays:

COL: 1/4

ONT: 1/6

Here are the takeaways from Wednesday’s 4-2 loss:

Lias Andersson scores his 27th

After a hot month of January, Lias Andersson had cooled off scoring three goals in his next 18 games. Andersson looks to be heating up again as he has recorded four goals in his last six games. Andersson opened the scoring last night for the Ontario Reign on the power play as he put home a rebound by the left pad of Justus Annunen for his 27th goal of the year. It was also his 12th power-play goal of the year, tying him for the team lead with Samuel Fagemo. Jordan Spence also recorded an assist in his first game back after being reassigned to the Reign on Tuesday.

A span of 33 seconds seals the deal

The Ontario Reign had their chances throughout the game to put the Eagles away. After Andersson’s power-play goal, the Reign went 0-for-5 on the man advantage. That won’t get it done at home or in any game. Justus Annunen deserves credit too as he made 36 saves and was named the number-one star of the game as the Reign couldn’t put one by him after taking a 2-1 lead in the second period.

Colorado was 0-for-3 on the power play entering the third period but converted on their lone attempt on the man advantage eight minutes into the period to take the lead. 33 seconds after taking the lead, Ryan Wagner gave the visiting team a two-goal lead by putting home a rebound after the initial save by Cal Petersen. The Reign played a good game, but just couldn’t convert on their chances. A span of 33 seconds ended up deciding this one.

Potential playoff matchup?

Believe it or not, these two teams could meet in the playoffs, again. As you may recall, the 2021 AHL playoffs were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Pacific Division had a playoff tournament instead. In a one-game elimination match, the Eagles defeated the Reign 5-4 in overtime. Last year, the two teams met up in round two of the playoffs, a series where the Eagles dominated and made quick work by sweeping the Reign.

This year they have a chance to possibly meet up in round one of the playoffs. The Eagles sit in third place in the division while the Reign sit in fifth place. If the season were to end today, the Reign would face the Abbotsford Canucks in round one, not the Colorado Eagles. However, there is still two weeks left in the regular season and anything can change. If the Reign fall to sixth place of the Eagles fall to 4th place, then they would meet up in the playoffs as the Eagles would have home-ice advantage. As we all know, Colorado is a tough place to play in. The magic number for the Reign to clinch a playoff spot is five points as they have seven games remaining.

UP NEXT: The Ontario Reign return to action Friday evening as they take on the Coachella Valley Firebirds. The game starts at 7 pm PT and can be seen on AHLTV. There’s a possibility LA Kings prospect Alex Laferriere makes his professional debut as well since he signed his ATO Wednesday afternoon.