Ontario Reign: Three Takeaways From 4-3 OT Win Vs Bakersfield

Goal Breakdown:

First period: 

ONT: PP Samuel Fagemo (42), ASST: T.J Tynan (55), Brandt Clarke (34)

BAK: Matvey Petrov (9), ASST: Greg McKegg (20), Ben Gleason (22)

Second period:

BAK: Raphael Lavoie (28), ASST: Markus Niemelainen (4)

Third Period:

ONT: PP Francesco Pinelli (12), ASST: Joe Hicketts (18), Tyler Madden (18)

ONT: PP Brandt Clarke (10), ASST: Akil Thomas (22)

BAK: Ty Tulio (9), ASST: Jack Campbell (1)

Overtime:

ONT: Martin Chormiak (14), ASST: None

Stats

Goals:

ONT: 4

BAK 3

Shots:

ONT: 40

BAK: 27

Powerplays:

ONT: 3/4

BAK 0/1

Three Stars:

1st: (ONT) Martin Chormiak 1 GWG

2nd: (ONT) Brandt Clarke 1 G and 1 A

3rd: (BAK) Ty Tulio 1 G

Here are the three takeaways from last night’s 4-3 overtime win:

The rush struggles against Bakersfield continue

For whatever reason the Reign struggle to defend Bakersfield’s rush attack and it led to Bakersfield scoring three goals that were all off rush chances. Ontario needs to find a way to defend Bakersfield’s rush attack. The way to do it is to go straight at their defenseman. They have several defensemen who like to take the puck up the ice. One stick in the lane could instantly put Bakersfield on their heels and with a potential playoff preview that’s something Ontario needs to fix. Also Bakersfield for the majority of the game played this neutral zone trap that Ontario struggled with. Ontario needs to chip the puck in and battle at the boards for loose pucks. Bakersfield isn’t the fastest team up front and Ontario could take advantage of that next matchup.

Powerplay was clicking

Ontario scored three goals on the power play. It had sustained pressure for most of the evening and Jack Campbell was under siege from the constant shots by Samuel Fagemo. It’s encouraging to see players like Francesco Pinelli get an extended run on the power play. Especially with the season winding down, that shows great confidence from both players and coaching staff. The passing was on point, especially in the third period. Scoring on the power play like this bodes well for Ontario heading into the Playoffs.

Prospects take over 

Several players who could have a bright future with the Kings had great games tonight!! Akil Thomas had an assist tonight in his first game back since being reassigned to Ontario! Fagemo had another goal and is up to 42 on the season. Pinelli had a goal, his 12th of the year, and was engaged. He is constantly improving and earning more ice time. Brandt Clarke, recently named to the AHL All-Rookie Team, proved why with a goal and assist. Erik Portillo got another win as he keeps adding to his solid rookie campaign. Martin Chormaik scored the OT winner. The future could be bright for LA.

NOTES:

*Samuel Fagemo scored goal number 42 and led all skaters with seven shots on goal. His 42 goals rank second in the AHL and his 19 power-play goals lead The AHL.

*Brandt Clarke had a goal and assist giving 44 points in 48 games. That ranks second among AHL rookie defensemen in scoring and fifth in AHL scoring among defensemen.

*Erik Portillo recorded his 24th win of the season setting an Ontario Reign (Reign’s AHL history) record for wins for a rookie goalie. His 24 wins are tied for sixth in the AHL. He’s tied for fifth in save percentage among all goaltenders, and his 2.40 GAA is sixth in the entire AHL. Among Rookie goalies he’s tied for second in wins, third in save percentage, and third in goals against average.

UP NEXT: The Ontario Reign travel to Loveland, Colorado to take on the Colorado Eagles on Saturday, April 20th. Puck drop is at 6:05 PM PT and can be viewed on AHLTV