Ontario Reign: Three takeaways from 2-0 win against San Jose

The Ontario Reign win their first game of the new year by shutting out the San Jose Barracuda at home by a score of 2-0.

Goal Breakdown

First period:

None

Second period:

ONT: PP Akil Thomas (9), ASST: TJ Tynan (22), Jacob Moverare (9)

ONT: SH Taylor Ward (3), ASST: Akil Thomas (10)

Third period:

None

Stats

Goals:

SJ: 0

ONT: 2

Shots:

SJ: 25

ONT: 27

Power plays:

SJ: 0/3

ONT: 1/4

Here are the three takeaways from Friday’s 2-0 victory:

Lineup shuffling

As is the case every year, AHL teams go through a lot of roster shuffling throughout the season. That is the case right now with the Ontario Reign. With injuries and call-ups, the Reign have had to make changes in their lineup.

With Brandt Clarke called up to the LA Kings earlier this week, Cody Haiskanen was signed to his second PTO (professional tryout) of the season with the Reign. With Clarke out of the lineup, it leaves a hole offensively and on the first power-play unit. Jacob Moverare was moved up from the second unit to the first unit to take Clarke’s spot, while Wyatte Wylie moved up to the quarterback the second power-play unit.

For the Reign, it’ll be hard to replace Clarke’s offense, but the rest of their defensemen need to stay true to themselves and not get outside of what they do, which is play good defense. And they did just that last night.

Special teams are the difference

The Ontario Reign got two goals in the second period, but none of them came at even strength. Both goals came on special teams. Akil Thomas started the scoring on the power play with 6:41 remaining in the middle frame, as the puck pinballed its way by Barracuda netminder Eetu Makaniemi.

Thomas would factor in the second goal by outhustling Barracuda forward Tristen Robins to a loose puck in the neutral zone. With hard work and good body positioning by Thomas on Robins, it allowed Taylor Ward to get a breakaway opportunity. Ward buried his breakaway attempt glove side on Makaniemi to give the Reign a 2-0 lead with 19 seconds left in the period.

Marco Sturm often mentions that special teams can make a difference in a game, and it did last night for the Reign.

Portillo earns the shutout

Erik Portillo had a strong game, making 25 saves for his second shutout of the season. One thing I was impressed with Portillo was his rebound control and positioning. He didn’t look out of position and didn’t give up any big rebounds that led to second-chance opportunities for San Jose. Rebound control and positioning have been two things I like to see Portillo improve on in his development, and he was phenomenal in both last night. He was named the first star of the game.

Video courtesy of Ontario Reign YouTube channel

Featured image credit: Ontario Reign

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