Ontario Reign: Three Takeaways From 3-2 OT Win Over Coachella Valley

The Ontario Reign didn’t play their best game, but found a way to steal two points in a game they probably didn’t deserve at least one.

Goal Breakdown

First period: 

ONT: Glenn Gawdin (7), ASST: Nikita Alexandrov (25), Martin Chromiak (17)

CV: Eduard Šalé (6), ASST: Jan Novak (5)

Second period: 

None

Third period: 

ONT: Cole Guttman (13), ASST: Angus Booth (6), Logan Brown (1)

CV: John Hayden (11), ASST: Logan Morrison (17), Jagger Firkus (24)

Overtime:

ONT: Nikita Alexandrov (10), ASST: Cole Guttman (16)

Stats

Goals: 

ONT: 3

CV: 2

Shots: 

ONT: 17

CV: 34

Power plays:

ONT: 0/0

CV: 0/2

Here are the three takeaways from Friday night’s overtime victory:

Glenn Gawdin gets on the board for the first time since December 13th

Glenn Gawdin entered the game with a goal drought lasting 15 games. That was erased quickly at the 6:16 mark of the opening frame when Nikita Alexandrov fed him the puck in front from behind the Coachella Valley net, where his wrist shot got past Coachella Valley netminder Jack LaFontaine low glove side.

Gawdin has been a valuable player for the Reign despite the lack of goals, even serving as one of the team’s leaders. The only thing that has eluded him this year is his goal-scoring touch. Great to see him finally pop one in for the Reign.

Erik Portillo’s strong game steals two points for the Reign

Erik Portillo was Ontario’s best player from start to finish. He stopped 32 of 34 shots to earn his 10th victory of the season. Of his 32 saves, 13 came in the middle frame when Ontario was heavily outshot 13-2. I’m not talking about an easy 32 saves; there were, from my count, at least six or seven (yes, I know, 6, 7) quality chances the Firebirds had throughout the game.

Ontario had no business winning this game. After a strong first 10 minutes, the Reign ended the game with a 34-17 shot deficit. It was a game they didn’t deserve two points, let alone one, but Portillo’s efforts gave the Reign the opportunity to do so.

Cole Guttman continues to rack up the points

Cole Guttman continues to be a steady contributor for the Reign. Since his return from a two-game suspension, Guttman has tallied 13 points (8 G, 5 A) in 10 games, including four multi-point games. His goal in the third period gave him at least one goal in three straight games.

It’s not just his goal scoring; it’s his playmaking, speed, and craftiness that impact the game, making him a threat whenever he is on the ice. The former Jr. King has been a fantastic addition to the Reign lineup this season.

NOTES:

*Logan Brown recorded his first point with the Reign this season. I thought he played his best game in limited action by using his size effectively in the offensive zone.

*Martin Chromiak extended his point streak to five games with an assist. He has seven points (1 G, 6 A) in that stretch. He blocked a shot late in the first period off his inner left knee, but returned at the start of the middle frame.

*Nikita Alexandrov’s overtime goal was his 21st point in 21 games since being acquired by the Kings organization.

*Jacob Doty recorded his fourth fighting major of the season.

*Ontario is 15-1-0-0 when scoring first. They are also 11-2-0-0 after a loss.

*The Reign’s win ended the Firebirds’ six-game win streak.

*On the Firebirds’ side, Victor Ostman replaced LaFontaine in net to start the second period. The reason was unknown.

*Firebirds defenseman Tyson Jugnauth led all skaters with six shots on goal.

UP NEXT: The Ontario Reign return to action tonight against the Colorado Eagles. The game starts at 6 PM PST. You can watch the game on FloHockey or KCAL+ (channel 9.6). If you are unable to watch the game, you can listen to it on the Ontario Reign Radio Network or in the ESPN LA app.

Featured image credit: Brandon Magpantay/Coachella Valley Firebirds

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