Ontario Reign: Three Takeaways From 3-2 OT Loss to Coachella Valley

The Ontario Reign earned a point for the ninth consecutive game, but dropped their second straight game that went beyond regulation.

Goal Breakdown

First period:

None

Second period: 

ONT: Martin Chromiak (21), ASST: Otto Salin (2), Kenny Connors (21)

CV: Mitchell Stephens (9), ASST: Gustav Olofsson (17), Tyson Jugnauth (29)

CV: Jani Nyman (18), ASST: Oscar Fiskar Molgaard (19), Carson Rehkopf (6)

Third period:

ONT: Jack Hughes (4), ASST: Jacob Doty (2)

Overtime:

CV: Gustav Olofsson (4), ASST: J.R. Avon (11), Jani Nyman (9)

Stats

Goals: 

ONT: 2

CV: 3

Shots: 

ONT: 28

CV: 24

Power plays: 

ONT: 0/4

CV: 0/4

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

Chromiak scores again

Martin Chromiak is in the midst of the best stretch of his professional career. Chromiak found the back of the net for the 21st time this season and the fifth time in his last seven games. After Otto Salin’s initial shot didn’t get all the way through because of traffic in front, Chromiak gathered the loose puck and struck gold to open the scoring. His breakout campaign continues to reach new heights with his strong overall play.

Four-on-four play is still an issue

The Reign’s four-on-four play has been abysmal this season. I’ve lost count, but I know the number of goals Ontario has surrendered at four-on-four is between eight and ten goals.

Simply put, that is way too much. When you have only scored twice in that scenario but have allowed four or five times the amount, it becomes a concern. The four-on-four play reared its ugly head again as Joe Hicketts’ pass attempt to Otto Salin on the rush didn’t connect, allowing the Firebirds to spring Mitchell Stephens in on a breakaway for Coachella’s first goal of the game.

It’s tough to point the finger at what the problem is specifically. Is there more space? Man-on-man defensive scheme breakdowns in the defensive zone? Turnovers? There are a lot of factors that go into it. It’s something that needs to be cleaned up quickly.

A point gained, but another one lost

The Reign received a well-earned point, but dropped a crucial second one. After having their seven-game win streak snapped at the hands of the Colorado Eagles on Wednesday evening, the Coachella Valley Firebirds extended that losing streak to two games.

I thought this game could’ve gone either way, even with several key mistakes Ontario made. With how tight the standings are, any earned or lost points will be crucial. It should make for entertaining hockey down the final stretch.

NOTES:

*Jack Hughes scored his first goal since February 1st. Ironically, it was also against the Firebirds.

*Salin recorded his second assist of the season.

*Chromiak’s 21st goal of the season moved him to second on the team behind Andre Lee (23).

*Pheonix Copley made 21 saves on 24 shots in the loss.

*Gustav Olofsson scored the second overtime goal in his AHL career.

*Jani Nyman scored his sixth career goal against Ontario in 15 games (regular season and playoffs)

*Nikke Kokko recorded the 34th win of his career in a Firebirds uniform. That is a franchise record (the team is in its fourth season of existence).

UP NEXT: These two teams meet again tonight to conclude the home-and-home series. Ontario will look to even the score and get back on track at home. The game starts at 6 PM PST and can be seen on FloSports or KCAL+ (channel 9.6). You can also listen to the game on the Ontario Reign Radio Network or on the ESPN LA app.

Featured image credit: Brandon Magpantay/Coachella Valley Firebirds

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