PREVIEW – Ontario @ San Diego, 11/21

WHO: Ontario Reign (5-6-2-1) @ San Diego Gulls (6-4-1-1)
WHAT: AHL REGULAR SEASON GAME
WHEN: Wednesday, November 21, @ 7:00 PM
WHERE: Valley View Casino Center – San Diego, CA
HOW TO FOLLOW: VIDEO: AHLTV – AUDIO – Away Feed – TWITTER: @ontarioreign & @reigninsider

TONIGHT’S MATCHUP: The Ontario Reign are back in action to begin a three-game week with the third edition of the 2018-19 So-Cal Series. The Reign take on the San Diego Gulls for the first time at Valley View Casino Center this season, currently holding a 1-0-1 record in the overall season series to date.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Despite a 2-1 defeat in Milwaukee on Saturday, the Reign have been on the right track as of late, with wins in four of their last six games played. Ontario picked up its second road victory of the season on Friday, with a 4-3 victory over the Grand Rapids Griffins. In franchise history, the Reign have posted an 8-8-2-0 record in San Diego, with points from 10-of-18 games played. On the season, the Reign are 3-5-2 against Pacific Division opposition and 2-5-0 away from Citizens Business Bank Arena. From today’s morning skate, goaltender Michael Leighton was the first goaltender off and the veteran could make his first start with the Reign this evening.

UNCLE PHIL: Forward Philippe Maillet collected the primary assist on Ontario’s lone tally in Saturday’s defeat, pushing his scoring streak to three straight games with an assist. Maillet, who has tallied four points total (0-4-4) in that span, has now tallied eight points (1-7-8) on the season, tied for fifth most on the Reign, with his seven assists tied for fourth.

MR. 900: Forward Matt Moulson tallied a pair of goals over the weekend and has now amassed 14 points (5-9-14) from 14 games played on the season. Moulson also appeared in his 900th professional regular season game on Friday in Grand Rapids, his 250th game in the American Hockey League. In his career with Ontario, Moulson has also tallied 11 points (4-7-11) from 10 games played against San Diego.

BRICK-BY-BRICK: Ontario defenseman Daniel Brickley tallied an assist during Saturday’s loss to Milwaukee, his second of the season. Over his last five games played, the 6-3 blueliner has collected two points (1-1-2) and has recorded a +2 rating, in addition to nine shots on goal. Brickley has totaled four points (2-2-4) on the season, including his second goal of the season on 11/3 against San Diego on home ice.

FIRST THINGS NOT FIRST: The Reign continue to struggle to get on the scoreboard first, having conceded the first goal in 12 of 14 games played this season. Ontario has posted a 4-6-2 record in those 12 contests, as opposed to a 1-0-1 record when the Reign strike first. The Reign have also trailed through 20 minutes in 10 of 14 games, but have earned at least a point (2-0-2) in the four games they have led or been tied through one period of play.

NHL FIRSTS:A pair of Ontario alums reached NHL milestones on Monday with the LA Kings. Forward Matt Luff scored the first goal of his NHL career, the game-winning goal during the second period of a 2-0 win over St. Louis. Additionally, goaltender Cal Petersen turned aside each of the 29 shots he faced in the victory for his first career NHL shutout, coming in his third career start with the Kings.

MAKING MOVES: The Reign added forward Mike Amadio earlier today, as he was assigned to Ontario by the Los Angeles Kings. Amadio has collected one goal from 12 games played with Los Angeles this season, in addition to three points in his lone AHL game with Ontario. Additionally, goaltender Cole Kehler continues his cross-country tour as he was reassigned to Manchester. Kehler has been with all 3 teams in the organization over the past week and now returns to Manchester, where he made his professional debut earlier this season. This move should provide him with an opportunity for more regular minutes.