Ontario Reign: Three Takeaways From Game 4’s 6-2 Loss

The Ontario Reign had a poor start in a potential close-out game, and they paid the price for it in their 6-2 loss in Game 4.

Goal Breakdown

First period: 

ONT: Jack Hughes (1), ASST: Aatu Jamsen (1), Kenta Isogai (2)

CV: PP J.R. Avon (4), ASST: Jagger Firkus (3), Tyson Jugnauth (2)

Second period: 

CV: Mitchell Stephens (2), ASST: Gustav Olofsson (3), Ty Nelson (3)

CV: Kaden Hammell (1), ASST: Oscar Fisker-Molgaard (4), John Hayden (3)

Third period: 

CV: Lleyton Roed (2), ASST: Gustav Olofsson (4)

ONT: Nikita Alexandrov (1), ASST: Kenny Connors (1), Joe Hicketts (3)

CV: EN Jagger Firkus (3), ASST: Jani Nyman (5), Kaden Hammell (1)

CV: EN Oscar Fisker-Molgaard (5), ASST: Lleyton Roed (3), Eduard Sale (1)

Stats

Goals: 

ONT: 2

CV: 6

Shots:

ONT: 28

CV: 33

Power plays: 

ONT: 0/3

CV: 1/4

Here are the three takeaways from Game 4’s defeat:

The Reign continue to get outplayed

The Reign came into Game 4 with a chance to end the series, but were denied a celebration in enemy territory. From the moment the puck dropped, Ontario’s play was not up to par in how it should’ve been for a close-out game.

Coachella Valley was expected to come out and give it its best effort with its season on the line, which they did, but Ontario didn’t counter by matching the home team’s intensity and hunger. They were on their heels, their puck management was not sharp, and they were constantly hemmed in the defensive zone.

The Firebirds’ aggressive forecheck and speed gave the Reign problems, who were hanging on by a thread for the first 40 minutes. Ontario began to generate chances in the offensive zone in the third period, but by then, the damage from the Firebirds had already been done.

Despite the loss, the Reign salvaged a split in the two games in Palm Desert without playing their best game. If Ontario wants to avoid having its season end for the second time in three seasons at the hands of its rivals down the I-10, then they need to have the energy right from puck drop because efforts like last night will not cut it in Game 5.

Jack Hughes extends his point streak to three games

One of the bright spots for the Reign in this series, despite the goaltending, has been the play of fourth-line center Jack Hughes. Hughes, a first-year pro, has been a pleasant surprise in this series.

In Game 1, it was his shot blocking on the penalty kill that stood out. Games 2-4 saw him force several turnovers, drive play, and display his never take a shift off mindset.

Last night, he opened the scoring in the opening period by following up on the play where Kenta Isogai drew a hooking penalty, leading to a scramble in front of Nikke Kokko, who was also out of position.

Hughes has recorded a point in three straight games (1 G, 2 A) and has been an effective centerman for Ontario in this series.

The best players will need to be your best

Former Reign Head Coach Marco Sturm used to say after games that a team’s best players need to be your best, and what better time for that to come to fruition for the Reign? Two of Ontario’s streaky players that can put up points and take over in a flurry, Nikita Alexandrov and Cole Guttman, have combined for two points (one goal each) in the first four games.

Andre Lee has scored one goal in his last 15 games, dating back to the regular season. Martin Chromiak had his lone goal come via an empty-net tally late in Game 2. The top six forwards, even the top nine, for the Reign will need to make an impact offensively and be the best players on the ice. The Firebirds have gotten strong games from their top forwards, but the Reign will need their top players to do so in the biggest game of the season.

NOTES:

*Pheonix Copley got the start as the Reign continued with their goalie rotation in this series. The 34-year-old made 27 saves on 31 shots faced in the loss. If Lord continues the goalie rotation, and I believe he will, I expect Erik Portillo to start Game 5 tomorrow night.

*Kenny Connors recorded his first career Calder Cup playoff point with a primary assist on Nikita Alexandrov’s goal.

*J.R. Avon scored his third goal, second on the power play, in the series.

*Oscar Fisker-Molgaard recorded his ninth point of the playoffs with his one goal and one assist performance.

*Jagger Firkus’ empty-net tally was his first goal since Game 3 of the Firebirds’ first-round matchup against the Bakersfield Condors.

*Nikke Kokko made 26 saves to earn his fourth win of the playoffs.

*Six different players scored a goal for the Firebirds. 12 skaters recorded a point, with five of them having a multi-point game.

*Four of the six defensemen dressed for the Firebirds recorded at least one point.

UP NEXT: This series has now gone the distance, and the winner-take-all Game 5 will be played on Saturday, May 9th, at Toyota Arena. The winner will move on to the Pacific Division Finals. Puck drops shortly after 6 PM PST.

Featured image credit: Megan Sanders/Ontario Reign

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