April 15: Bus Texts with Stothers

It’s time for another edition of Bus Texts with Stothers, as we catch up with Reign head coach Mike Stothers on the road to get his assessment of the game (this time, just to the team hotel in San Diego). Here’s what he had to say after Friday’s Western Conference-clinching win.

Reign 4, Gulls 2
The Reign used third period goals by Kris Newbury, Nic Dowd (shorthanded) and Michael Mersch (power play) to get by their biggest rival in their second to last game of the regular season. With the win the Reign clinched the top spot in the West. Going into the final period tied at 1, the Reign went ahead on Newbury’s goal from the slot, his 10th of the season. That was followed minutes later by Dowd and Mersch’s marks that came just 37 seconds apart. Peter Budaj stopped 32 shots for his 42nd win of the season.

BUS TEXTS WITH STOTHERS
ORI: What’d you think of that finish?
Stothers: That was a great finish. We accomplished what we wanted coming into the game. We beat a good opponent in a tough road rink.
ORI: As far as playing the game the right way and making strides toward the postseason, how did you feel the team played in that regard?
Stothers: Well it’s still a work in progress, or I am impossible to satisfy. There are things we can improve upon but I will keep them internal and focus more on the positives. There were many positives, and a pat on the back is far more beneficial at this point from their cranky old coach. Well done to all the players.
ORI: So, you have the West clinched, is there any chance you think of resting Budaj tomorrow?
Stothers: Why, would I??? It’s interesting you ask because I was thinking that it was Houser’s turn anyway