Notes From the Ontario Reign’s 3-2 Defeat Against the Tucson Roadrunners

Another two-goal lead was washed away as the Ontario Reign’s losing streak extended to a season-high four games.

Scoring

First period:

ONT: Aatu Jamsen (4), ASST: Jared Wright (2)

Second period:

ONT: PP Cole Guttman (4), ASST: Lane Pederson (9), Scott Perunovich (6)

TUC: Cameron Hebig (8), ASST: Austin Poganski (6), Tomas Lavoie (1)

TUC: PP Cameron Hebig (9), ASST: Zac Jones (5), Gabe Smith (6)

Third period:

TUC: Kevin Rooney (3), ASST: Yegor Borikov (4), Zac Jones (6)

Stats

Goals:

TUC: 3

ONT: 2

Shots: 

TUC: 43

ONT: 21

Power plays: 

TUC: 1/3

ONT: 1/3

Notes from yesterday’s game:

Hampton Slukynsky plays spectacularly in the loss

Hampton Slukynsky entered the day winless in his three starts. Unfortunately, that first win of the season will have to wait as the Reign fell to Tucson 3-2. However, Slukynsky was the lone bright spot in a lethargic Reign performance. Slukynsky faced 43 shots and turned aside 40, giving the Reign a chance in a game they were thoroughly outplayed. It was Slukynsky’s best start of the season, but he feels he is improving despite the numbers not being in his favor.

“I’m getting used to everything,” the 21-year-old rookie said after the game. “If I go back and watch the video from my first game, I would see major differences. I’m happy with how my game is progressing, and I’m just trying to get better.”

Honestly, he’s had bright moments to start the season, even if the numbers don’t show it. Yesterday’s performance and his postgame quote show he has a tough mindset and has a short memory in situations like this.

Another two-goal lead evaporates

Déjà vu?

The Reign struck first and had a 2-0 lead in the second period. Then lost it and suffered a regulation loss. The only difference this time is that the Reign didn’t match Tucson’s energy all game, and the 2-0 lead didn’t feel like they were in control like Friday night. The Reign have struggled to score the game’s first goal, but this weekend they struck first both times, but couldn’t hold the lead, which will probably be the most frustrating part of this weekend.

Is Aatu Jamsen turning a corner?

Aatu Jamsen found the back of the net in all three games this week, bringing his season total to four. Jamsen, like last season, started out slow, but as we have seen in his first two seasons with the Reign, he can be streaky. For example, in his first 27 games last season, Jamsen tallied four goals before racking up 11 in the following 24 games. He’s capable of going on a heater, and this could be one of those long streaks where he has the hot stick for a while.

A winless week

For the first time this season, the Reign have lost every game this week. In two of the three games, it wasn’t their night, and in the other, they let it slip through their fingers. It’s all part of the ebbs and flows of the season, and right now the Reign have found a way to lose games instead of winning them. However, they are capable of rattling off three straight wins in a row

Jared Woolley set to return to practice

The Reign did get some good news after the game. Defenseman Jared Woolley, who has missed the last seven games, could be taking the next step toward returning to the ice. Head coach Andrew Lord said the rookie is “progressing nicely” but didn’t offer a specific timetable for his return.

“He’s getting there. I think he is going to practice with us the next couple of days,” Ontario’s bench boss said after the loss. “I don’t think that means he’s right in right away, but it’s a good next step.”

Let’s hope his return is sooner rather than later.

UP NEXT: The Ontario Reign return to action for the final game of their three-game homestand on Wednesday, November 4th, against the San Jose Barracuda. The game starts at 7 PM PST, and you can watch it on FloSports or listen on the Ontario Reign Radio Network. We’ll see if the rivalry remains as fierce as last season or is put on the back burner for now.

Featured image credit: Megan Sanders/Ontario Reign

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