Reign rewind: A look back at the entire season

The Reign have finished the regular season at 44-19-4-1 with winning percentage of .684, good for first place in the Pacific Division and first place in the Western Conference. They’ll have home-ice advantage through at least the Western route of the Calder Cup Playoffs, which begin this week. If you’ve missed out on the season or just want to look back, here’s how they got here. We’ll go back through every game and all the big storylines from Game 1 all the way through to Game 68.

Game 1: Reign 5, Bakersfield 0

Date: Oct. 10, 2015 (at Rabobank Arena)
What happened: Peter Budaj earned his first shutout and captain Vincent LoVerde fittingly scored the first goal in Reign history (as an AHL team, of course). Kris Newbury also had a two-goal game and the PK finished a perfect 7-for-7.
Record: 1-0-0-0

Game 2: Reign 4, Manitoba 1

Date: Oct. 15, 2015 (at MTS Centre)
What happened: Jamie McBain scored his only goal with the team before his call-up to the Kings and left winger Michael Mersch scored his first two goals of the season. Defenseman Kurtis MacDermid registered his first pro point with an assist.
Record: 2-0-0-0

Game 3: Reign 1, Manitoba 0 (OT)

Date: Oct. 17, 2015 (at MTS Centre)
What happened: Valentin Zykov’s first pro goal was an overtime winner an Peter Budaj got another shutout, making 20 saves. This was Jamie McBain’s last game with the team before being called up to the Kings. The PK finished a perfect 4-for-4 to improve to 14-for-14 on the season.
Record: 3-0-0-0

Game 4: Reign 5, Bakersfield 4

Date: Oct. 23, 2015 (at Citizens Business Bank Arena)
What happened: The Reign’s first AHL home game was a doozy of a comeback and started with a ceremonial puck drop by Luc Robitaille. After falling behind 3-0, the Reign scored four unanswered goals in a span of 2:42 in the second period (Michael Mersch, Kris Newbury, Valentin Zykov and Kevin Gravel) to take a 4-3 lead and didn’t look back. Newbury took a Sean Backman shot to the foot, resulting in a fracture but he finished the game and the weekend.
Record: 4-0-0-0

Game 5: Reign 3, San Jose 0

Date: Oct. 24, 2015 (at Citizens Business Bank Arena)
What happened: Adrian Kempe and Andrew Crescenzi notched their first goals of the season and Peter Budaj registered his third shutout so early in the season, stopping 24 shots. The PK was perfect again, killing all five to improve to 22-for-22. Kris Newbury played in this one and was diagnosed the following week with a fractured foot, missing the next 12 games.
Record: 5-0-0-0

Game 6: San Antonio 3, Reign 2 (OT)

Date: Oct. 30, 2015 (at Citizens Business Bank Arena)
What happened: The Reign lost their first game of the season and gave up their first power play goal after starting 25-for-25. Nic Dowd scored his first of the season but Ben Street’s overtime goal was the big one here.
Record: 5-0-1-0

Game 7: San Antonio 2, Reign 1 (OT)

Date: Oct. 31, 2015 (at Citizens Business Bank Arena)
What happened: Another day, another overtime loss for the Reign off another winner by Ben Street. Ray Emery was in net for his first start and gave up a goal just 24 seconds in. Kevin Gravel tied the game with 44 seconds left in regulation to salvage a point for Ontario.
Record: 5-0-2-0

Game 8: San Jose 4, Reign 2

Date: Nov. 1, 2015 (at SAP Center)
What happened: Playing three games in three days (this one on the road no less) got the best out of the Reign, who suffered their first regulation loss of the season. Michael Mersch and Ryan Horvat scored for Ontario.
Record: 5-1-2-0

Game 9: Reign 4, San Diego 1

Date: Nov. 5, 2015 (at Citizens Business Bank Arena)
What happened: Adrian Kempe recorded a hat trick and the Reign got the better of the Ducks’ AHL affiliate in their first of 12 meetings.
Record: 6-1-2-0

Game 10: Reign 4, Stockton 0

Date: Nov. 7, 2015 (at Stockton Arena)
What happened: Hat trick time, again. Jordan Samuels-Thomas scored his first, second and third goals of the season as the Reign notched a hat trick for a second consecutive game. Sean Backman’s first goal of the season stood as the game-winner and Peter Budaj stopped all 38 shots he faced for another shutout.
Record: 7-1-2-0

Game 11: Reign 2, San Jose 1

Date: Nov. 11, 2015 (at Citizens Business Bank Arena)
What happened: Kurtis MacDermid netted his first pro goal at 11:11 of the first period and Sean Backman scored for a second straight game as the Reign held on to improve to 3-0 against the Barracuda.
Record: 8-1-2-0

Game 12: Bakersfield 3, Reign 0

Date: Nov. 14, 2015 (at Rabobank Arena)
What happened: Playing in front of goalie Ray Emery for the second time, the Reign were held scoreless for the first time. Emery stopped 22 shots in all but two first-period goals less than two minutes apart midway through the frame were the difference.
Record: 8-2-2-0

Game 13: Reign 4, San Antonio 3 (OT)

Date: Nov. 20, 2015 (at AT&T Center)
What happened: Michael Mersch scored 21 seconds into overtime and the Reign rebounded after going up 3-0 and then allowing their lead to slip late in the third period.
Record: 9-2-2-0

Game 14: Reign 7, Texas 6

Date: Nov. 21, 2015 (at Cedar Park Center)
What happened: This one would stand as the highest-scoring game all season for Ontario. Jordan Samuels-Thomas scored his second goal of the game with 3:33 left in regulation to give the Reign the lead after Texas used three unanswered goals spanning from midway through the second period to get back in it. Ray Emery earned his first and only win with the team.
Record: 10-2-2-0

Game 15: Reign 2, Stockton 1

Date: Nov. 25, 2015 (at Citizens Business Bank Arena)
What happened: Adrian Kempe had a goal and an assist for his second multi-point game and Justin Auger scored 54 seconds in as Ontario won for a third straight game. Peter Budaj stopped 18 shots to pick up his 10th victory of the season.
Record: 11-2-2-0

Game 16: San Diego 3, Reign 2

Date: Nov. 27, 2015 (at Valley View Casino Center)
What happened: Michael Mersch had both Ontario goals, both on the power play, to eclipse the 10-goal plateau with his 10th and 11th of the season but it wasn’t enough as the Reign fell to 1-1 against the Ducks affiliate.
Record: 11-3-2-0

Game 17: San Diego 3, Reign 1

Date: Nov. 28, 2015 (at Valley View Casino Center)
What happened: The Reign went 0-for-7 on the power play and Peter Budaj lost back-to-back games for the first time in a game that featured six fighting majors.
Record: 11-4-2-0

Game 18: Reign 3, Charlotte 1

Date: Dec. 5, 2015 (at Bojangles’ Coliseum)
What happened: Kris Newbury returned after missing 12 games due to a broken foot and tough guys Paul Bissonnette and Scott Sabourin both scored in a win that came the day after goalie Ray Emery was released from his PTO.
Record: 12-4-2-0

Game 19: Reign 5, Charlotte 1

Date: Dec. 6, 2015 (at Bojangles’ Coliseum)
What happened: After going scoreless in his first 17 games, Jonny Brodzinski finally found the back of the net in a game that featured five different Ontario goal scorers. This was Michael Mersch’s last game before his first NHL call-up to the Kings.
Record: 13-4-2-0

Game 20: Reign 3, Bakersfield 1

Date: Dec. 12, 2015 (at Citizens Business Bank Arena)
What happened: Valentin Zykov had a breakout performance with a goal and an assist a game after being a healthy scratch and Jonny Brodzinski scored for a second straight game. Kris Newbury also scored in his first home game since returning from his foot injury.
Record: 14-4-2-0

Game 21: Reign 2, San Jose 1 (OT)

Date: Dec. 13, 2015 (at Citizens Business Bank Arena)
What happened: A Justin Auger deflection with 1:09 left in the game tied it at 1 and Kevin Gravel’s rush up the left side and subsequent shot beat Aaron Dell five-hole to win it 1:18 into overtime. The game was Adrian Kempe’s last before leaving to play for Sweden in the World Junior Championships in Finland.
Record: 15-4-2-0

Game 22: San Diego 3, Reign 2 (SO)

Date: Dec. 19, 2015 (at Citizens Business Bank Arena)
What happened: The Reign fell in their first and only shootout of the season after rallying to tie it on a Kris Newbury goal with 26 seconds left in regulation.
Record: 15-4-2-1

Game 23: Reign 2, Bakersfield 1 (OT)

Date: Dec. 20, 2015 (at Citizens Business Bank Arena)
What happened: Sean Backman scored 21 seconds into overtime on a slap shot from the right circle that beat Ben Scrivens for the win. Joel Lowry scored his first pro goal in the third period.
Record: 16-4-2-1

Game 24: San Diego 4, Reign 1

Date: Dec. 26, 2015 (at Valley View Casino Center)
What happened: The Reign suffered their fourth straight loss to the Ducks affiliate, going 0-for-6 on the power play. Rookie defenseman Kurtis MacDermid’s check to the head of Matt Bailey in the third period resulted in a 10-minute game misconduct and the next week earned him a 12-game suspension from the AHL.
Record: 16-5-2-1

Game 25: Reign 2, Stockton 1

Date: Dec. 29, 2015 (at Stockton Arena)
What happened: Peter Budaj stopped 39 of 40 shots and Jonny Brodzinski had his first two-goal game of the season to dictate the scoring.
Record: 17-5-2-1

Game 26: Stockton 4, Reign 1

Date: Dec. 31, 2015
What happened: A frustrated Reign team fell to 0-for-30 on the power play over their last seven games and went 0-for-4 in this one, having difficulty solving goalie Joni Ortio. It was a bizarre ending as head coach Mike Stothers, upset with officiating, deliberately threw players on the ice at the conclusion of the game resulting in an intentional too-many-men call that gave the Heat a penalty shot with 8 seconds left. Peter Budaj stopped it.
Record: 17-6-2-1

Game 27: Charlotte 4, Reign 2

Date: Jan. 2, 2016 (at Citizens Business Bank Arena)
What happened: The Reign broke their 0-for-32 power play drought on a Nic Dowd goal and welcomed in Derek Army, a center from the ECHL’s Wheeling Nailers, as Kris Newbury was sidelined again, this time with a new injury. Jeff Schultz also scored his first goal of the season.
Record: 17-7-2-1

Game 28: Charlotte 2, Reign 0

Date: Jan. 3, 2016 (at Citizens Business Bank Arena)
What happened: The Reign were shut out for the second time and suffered their third straight regulation loss for the first time.
Record: 17-8-2-1

Game 29: Reign 3, Texas 2 (OT)

Date: Jan. 5, 2016 (at Citizens Business Bank Arena)
What happened: Kevin Gravel collected his second OT winner and Justin Auger had two goals and an assist for his first multi-point game.
Record: 18-8-2-1

Game 30: Reign 6, Stockton 1

Date: Jan. 8, 2016 (at Citizens Business Bank Arena)
What happened: Adrian Kempe had a goal and an assist in his first game back from World Juniors and Nic Dowd and Sean Backman each had a goal and two assists in the rout. The Reign welcomed in Derek Forbort to the blue line after he was sent down following the Kings’ trade for Luke Schenn. This was the Reign’s biggest offensive outburst since Michael Mersch’s last game before being called up.
Record: 19-8-2-1

Game 31: Bakersfield 4, Reign 0

Date: Jan. 9, 2016 (at Rabobank Arena)
What happened: Discipline issues crept back in the for the Reign, which took seven minor penalties and allowed two goals by Jordan Oesterle. Afterwards, head coach Mike Stothers admitted the PK time tired his group out. Ontario also went 0-for-6 on the power play and was shut out for the third time.
Record: 19-9-2-1

Game 32: Reign 5, San Diego 0

Date: Jan. 15, 2016 (at Citizens Business Bank Arena)
What happened: Michael Mersch was sent back down by the Kings in the morning and the team dominated in his return getting two goals from Jordan Samuels-Thomas. Derek Army also added his first pro goal and Peter Budaj earned his fifth shutout of the season, stopping 27 shots.
Record: 20-9-2-1

Game 33: Bakersfield 4, Reign 2

Date: Jan. 16, 2016 (at Citizens Business Bank Arena)
What happened: Nic Dowd had a two-goal game and Michael Mersch had an assist in his second game back from his call-up, but it wasn’t enough. A shorthanded tally by Rob Klinkhammer was the dagger in the third period, putting the Condors up 3-1.
Record: 20-10-2-1

Game 34: Reign 2, Texas 1

Date: Jan. 17, 2016 (at Citizens Business Bank Arena)
What happened: Andrew Crescenzi scored the go-ahead goal with 23 seconds left in regulation on the power play as Ontario won in Michael Houser’s first start.
Record: 21-10-2-1

Game 35: Reign 4, Manitoba 1

Date: Jan. 20, 2016 (at Citizens Business Bank Arena)
What happened: Michael Mersch had his best game since being sent back to Ontario with a goal and two assists and Peter Budaj stopped 23 shots to earn his 200th pro win.
Record: 22-10-2-1

Game 36: Reign 3, San Jose 2 (OT)

Date: Jan. 22, 2016 (at Citizens Business Bank Arena)
What happened: Nic Dowd scored 28 seconds into overtime after Sean Backman tied the game with 1:32 left in regulation off a set-up pass by Adrian Kempe as Ontario erased a 2-0 deficit to win.
Record: 23-10-2-1

Game 37: Reign 2, San Jose 1

Date: Jan. 23, 2016 (at Citizens Business Bank Arena)
What happened: Kurtis MacDermid scored in his first game back after serving a 12-game suspension as Ontario won its fourth straight contest. Nic Dowd’s point streak reached six games and Sean Backman scored his 10th goal to join Michael Mersch in double digits.
Record: 24-10-2-1

Game 38: Stockton 2, Reign 1 (OT)

Date: Jan. 27, 2016 (at Stockton Arena)
What happened: The Heat’s Derek Grant scored 30 seconds into overtime as the Reign saw their four-game winning streak snapped as well as Nic Dowd’s point streak.
Record: 24-10-3-1

Game 39: Reign 2, San Diego 0

Date: Jan. 29, 2016 (at Valley View Casino Center)
What happened: Peter Budaj earned his league-leading sixth shutout by turning aside all 21 of San Diego’s shots and Michael Mersch and Jeff Schultz provided the scoring. Kris Newbury returned from missing 12 games due to injury and, as a result, Derek Army was released from his PTO prior to the game. The Kings’ Kyle Clifford, on NHL All-Star break, played in his first contest of a two-game conditioning stint.
Record: 25-10-3-1

Game 40: Reign 4, Manitoba 0

Date: Jan. 30, 2016 (at Citizens Business Bank Arena)
What happened: Michael Mersch had two goals and an assist and Kris Newbury scored in his second game back from injury as Peter Budaj posted back-to-back shutouts with a 19-save performance.
Record: 26-10-3-1

Game 41: Reign 1, San Jose 0

Date: Feb. 5, 2016 (at Citizens Business Bank Arena)
What happened: The Reign prevailed on “Pink in the Rink” night, sporting pink jerseys and skating on pink ice. Michael Mersch had the only goal and Peter Budaj picked up yet another shutout by making 22 saves.
Record: 27-10-3-1

Game 42: Reign 3, San Jose 2

Date: Feb. 6, 2016 (at Citizens Business Bank Arena)
What happened: After falling behind on two early first period goals, the Reign scored three unanswered by Michael Mersch, Jonny Brodzinski and Justin Auger in the second period to earn a weekend sweep of the Barracuda.
Record: 28-10-3-1

Game 43: San Jose 4, Reign 2

Date: Feb. 10, 2016 (at SAP Center)
What happened: San Jose coach Roy Sommer broke the AHL wins record by earning No. 637 as his team solved Michael Houser with Peter Budaj on an emergency call-up to Los Angeles. Kevin Gravel also earned an NHL call-up to the Kings. San Jose finished 2-for-3 on the power play and added a shorthanded goal to win the special teams battle.
Record: 28-11-3-1

Game 44: Bakersfield 3, Reign 2

Date: Feb. 12, 2016 (at Citizens Business Bank Arena)
What happened: Defenseman Christian Ehrhoff made his debut with the Reign after clearing waivers and being sent down by the Kings. Despite outshooting the Condors 39-17, Ontario fell for a second straight game with Peter Budaj out of the lineup.
Record: 28-12-3-1

Game 45: Stockton 3, Reign 0

Date: Feb. 13, 2016 (at Stockton Arena)
What happened: The Reign lost for a third straight game with Michael Houser subbing in net for the called-up Peter Budaj and were shut out for a fourth time overall.
Record: 28-13-3-1

Game 46: Reign 6, Stockton 1

Date: Feb. 17, 2016 (at Citizens Business Bank Arena)
What happened: Peter Budaj returned from his stint with the Kings and the third-liners, led by Andrew Crescenzi’s three-point game, helped the Reign get back on track. Defenseman Nick Ebert returned to the lineup after missing 16 games due to an upper body injury.
Record: 29-13-3-1

Game 47: Reign 4, Texas 1

Date: Feb. 19, 2016 (at Citizens Business Bank Arena)
What happened: Michael Mersch was recalled to Los Angeles prior to the game but the Reign didn’t miss a beat, as four different goal scorers (Jordan Samuels-Thomas, Vincent LoVerde, Jonny Brodzinski and Andrew Crescenzi) came through in Peter Budaj’s 28th win.
Record: 30-13-3-1

Game 48: San Diego 4, Reign 2

Date: Feb. 20, 2016 (at Valley View Casino Center)
What happened: Nick Ebert and Kevin Raine scored their first goals of the season but the Reign fell short against rival San Diego behind the Gulls’ three third period goals, including an empty-netter.
Record: 30-14-3-1

Game 49: Reign 3, Texas 2 (OT)

Date: Feb. 26, 2016 (at Cedar Park Center)
What happened: Vincent LoVerde scored 2:25 into overtime and had his first two-goal game of the season as Ontario improved to 5-0 against the Stars by throwing a whopping 51 shots on net.
Record: 31-14-3-1

Game 50: Reign 5, Texas 2

Date: Feb. 27, 2016 (at Cedar Park Center)
What happened: Jonny Brodzinski (goal, two assists) put together his first three-point game, Jordan Samuels-Thomas reached the 10-goal mark and Matt Leitner earned his first pro point by registering an assist as Ontario continued its dominance of Texas. A first period goal by Sean Backman also broke an Ontario 0-for-22 power play drought. This was the last game with Valentin Zykov and Scott Sabourin on the roster before they were moved at the NHL trade deadline in moves that brought Kris Versteeg to the Kings and Brett Sutter to Ontario respectively.
Record: 32-14-3-1

Game 51: Reign 5, San Antonio 1

Date: March 6, 2016 (at AT&T Center)
What happened: Brett Sutter made his Reign debut and Michael Mersch and Kevin Gravel were back in the lineup for the first game since being returned to Ontario. This game featured San Antonio’s Daniel Maggio going after Kurtis MacDermid, resulting in 27 minutes worth of penalties and an eventual three-game suspension. A goal by Jordan Samuels-Thomas just 10 seconds into the contest set the pace for the blowout.
Record: 33-14-3-1

Game 52: Reign 5, San Antonio 4

Date: March 9, 2016 (at AT&T Center)
What happened: In one of their biggest comebacks of the season, the Reign scored three goals in a 1:25 span of the last 2:36 of regulation to win on a goal by Nic Dowd. It was an all-St. Cloud State alum comeback with goals in succession by Jonny Brodzinski, Kevin Gravel and Dowd.
Record: 34-14-3-1

Game 53: San Diego 2, Reign 1 (OT)

Date: March 12, 2016 (at Citizens Business Bank Arena)
What happened: Adrian Kempe returned to the lineup after missing four games due to injury and scored his first goal after a 17-game drought. But unfortunately for Kempe, Mike Sgarbossa got behind him to score the OT winner and the Reign’s woes against the Gulls continued.
Record: 34-14-4-1

Game 54: Reign 4, San Jose 1

Date: March 13, 2016 (at SAP Center)
What happened: Brett Sutter scored his first goal as a member of the Reign in his fourth game and every member of the first line (Michael Mersch, Nic Dowd and Sean Backman) had two points.
Record: 35-14-4-1

Game 55: Reign 3, San Jose 2 (OT)

Date: March 16, 2016 (at SAP Center)
What happened: The Reign allowed a goal in the final 33 seconds by Bryan Lerg with the San Jose goalie pulled but rebounded in overtime. Captain Vincent LoVerde scored in overtime, his fourth game-winner of the year, finishing out the game despite taking a late high stick to the neck. It would be later learned that LoVerde suffered a cracked trachea and he would go on to miss the next 11 games.
Record: 36-14-4-1

Game 56: Reign 5, San Antonio 3

Date: March 18, 2016 (at Citizens Business Bank Arena)
What happened: After a lackluster first period in which the Reign fell behind two goals, they corrected their game and rattled off five unanswered goals to win. Brett Sutter scored two goals and Jonny Brodzinski had his second three-point game of the season as the Reign played their first contest without captain Vincent LoVerde (trachea).
Record: 37-14-4-1

Game 57: San Diego 4, Reign 1

Date: March 19, 2016 (at Citizens Business Bank Arena)
What happened: Starts were starting to become a problem as for the second game in a row Ontario allowed a goal in the first two minutes. This time, they went on to lose to the rival Gulls. Michael Mersch finished a minus-4 and was clearly upset with his performance in postgame interviews. Gulls goalie Anton Khudobin improved to 5-1 against the Reign by making 22 saves.
Record: 37-15-4-1

Game 58: Reign 5, Bakersfield 2

Date: March 22, 2016 (at Rabobank Arena)
What happened: Nic Dowd missed his first Reign game of the season while on his first NHL call-up with the Kings but Ontario prevailed with a strong start on an early goal by Joel Lowry. Justin Auger (15th) and Sean Backman (20th) hit mile-marker goals and Peter Budaj tied his personal season high with 39 saves.
Record: 38-15-4-1

Game 59: Reign 4, Stockton 2

Date: March 25, 2016 (at Citizens Business Bank Arena)
What happened: The Reign won the special teams battle going 2-for-5 on the power with goals by Jonny Brodzinski and Jeff Schultz and a perfect 4-for-4 on the kill to win in their second game without top center Nic Dowd. With the victory, the Reign moved within one point of playoff berth.
Record: 39-15-4-1

Game 60: Stockton 4, Reign 2

Date: March 26, 2016 (at Citizens Business Bank Arena)
What happened: With a chance at home the Reign failed to clinch a playoff spot by giving up two goals in the first period less than a minute apart, eventually trailing 3-0 in the defeat. The Reign came back on goals by Jonny Brodzinski (who also had 10 shots on goal) and Kurtis MacDermid, but never could find the tying one. They’d eventually clinch a postseason berth by virtue of a San Jose loss the next day.
Record: 39-16-4-1

Game 61: San Jose 3, Reign 1

Date: March 30, 2016 (SAP Center)
What happened: In the battle of the Brodzinskis, the edge went to Jonny’s younger brother Michael who just went pro out of the University of Minnesota to sign with the Sharks organization. Goalie Peter Budaj was pulled for the first time all season midway through the second period after San Jose built a 3-0 lead. Rookie forward Matt Schmalz also made his pro debut, registering one shot on goal.
Record: 39-17-4-1

Game 62: Stockton 3, Reign 2

Date: April 1, 2016 (at Stockton Arena)
What happened: Stockton scored each period and despite an opening goal by Michael Mersch, the Reign fell for a third straight game. Justin Auger’s shorthanded mark at 11:55 of the third period made it 3-2 but the Reign couldn’t find the equalizer. Ontario went a perfect 7-for-7 on the penalty kill but also 0-for-4 on the power play in a penalty-filled game.
Record: 39-18-4-1

Game 63: Reign 2, Bakersfield 0

Date: April 2, 2016 (at Rabobank Arena)
What happened: Goalie Peter Budaj registered his AHL-leading ninth shutout to get the Reign back on track after losing three straight. After two scoreless periods of play, Brett Sutter and Kris Newbury notched their 8th goals of the season.
Record: 40-18-4-1

Game 64: Reign 4, Stockton 1

Date: April 6, 2016 (Stockton Arena)
What happened: The Reign clinched their first Pacific Division title in the new era. After a scoreless first period the Reign broke the game open on power play goals by Michael Mersch and Nick Ebert in the first 5:16 of the second period. Goalie Peter Budaj stopped a season-high 46 shots.
Record: 41-18-4-1

Game 65: Reign 4, Bakersfield 1

Date: April 8, 2016 (at Citizens Business Bank Arena)
What happened: Goalie Peter Budaj stopped 30 shots to earn his 40th victory of the season and Joel Lowry had his first multi-point game with two goals and an assist as the Reign won their third straight.
Record: 42-18-4-1

Game 66: Reign 4, Bakersfield 2

Date: April 9, 2016 (at Rabobank Arena)
What happened: Each the time Condors scored the Reign answered back and eventually took the lead on a Jonny Brodzinski goal 1:21 into the third period. Adrian Kempe broke a 10-game scoreless drought and a successful 5-on-3, two-minute penalty kill late in the second proved crucial as the Reign eliminated the Condors from playoff contention.
Record: 43-18-4-1

Game 67: Reign 4, San Diego 2

Date: April 15, 2016 (Valley View Casino Center)
What happened: The Reign clinched the Western Conference title, scoring three third period goals by Kris Newbury, Nic Dowd (who just returned from a call-up with the Kings) and Michael Mersch. Captain Vincent LoVerde (trachea) returned to the lineup after missing 11 games.
Record: 44-18-4-1

Game 68: San Diego 3, Reign 2

Date: April 16, 2016 (at Valley View Casino Center)
What happened: With head coach Mike Stothers opting to rest many players, rookie forward Matt Schmalz played in this third pro game and registered his first goal and first assist. A penalty-filled third period (110 PIM) only put the magnifying glass on this rivalry again but the Gulls had the upper hand, scoring three third period goals for the win.
Record: 44-19-4-1