Game 28: Reign 5, Stockton 4 (OT) + postgame notes/video

Ontario Reign 5, Stockton Heat 4 (OT)
Final

Radio feed
Box score

SOG: ONT 38, STK 25
PP: ONT 3/6, STK 2/4

ONT starters: G Jack Campbell, D Paul LaDue, D Kurtis MacDermid, LW Justin Auger, C Adrian Kempe, RW Jonny Brodzinski
STK starters: G Jon Gillies, D Keith Aulie, D Kayle Doetzel, LW Hunter Shinkaruk, C Mark Jankowski, RW Morgan Klimchuk

FIRST PERIOD
1) STK PPG – Andrew Mangiapane (8) (Mark Jankowski, Linden Vey), 10:35
2) STK – Brett Kulak (1) (Hunter Smith, Jamie Devane), 16:33
3) ONT – Sean Backman (6) (Rob Scuderi, Brett Sutter), 18:10

SECOND PERIOD
4) ONT PPG – Jonny Brodzinski (9) (Mike Amadio, T.J. Hensick), 6:49
5) STK PPG – Andrew Mangiapane (9) (Matt Frattin, Mark Jankowski), 8:36
6) STK- Mark Jankowski (8) (Hunter Shinkaruk, Morgan Klimchuk), 15:31

THIRD PERIOD
7) ONT PPG – Teddy Purcell (4) (Paul LaDue, Mike Amadio), 14:49
8) ONT PPG – Adrian Kempe (7) (Zac Leslie, Vincent LoVerde), 16:04

OVERTIME
9) ONT – Brett Sutter (7) (Sean Backman), 1:59

POSTGAME NOTES

–The Pacific Division-leading Reign improved to 17-6-5-0 overall and 8-4-1-0 at home and extended their season-long winning streak to six games. Stockton kept on a five-game skid and dropped to 16-9-3-1. Ontario improved to 3-1-1-0 against Stockton this season.

–Michael Mersch missed his first game of the season after playing in the first 27. He’s a bit banged up, according to information obtained through team hockey operations by LA Kings Insider Jon Rosen. Head coach Mike Stothers was tight-lipped on the injury in his postgame interview.

–With an assist, T.J. Hensick extended his point streak to seven games (2 G, 8 A) and continues to lead the team in points with 26 (9-17=26). Teddy Purcell also extended his point streak to seven games (3 G, 8 A) with a goal and an assist.

–Goalie Jack Campbell made his 13th straight start and finished with 21 saves on 25 shots. His record improved to 14-3-2.

–With an assist on Purcell’s goal, Paul LaDue is now on a three-game point streak with three goals and two assists in that span.

–The penalty-packed second period featured nine minors (four for Ontario, five for Stockton) and two power play goals (Jonny Brodzinski for Ontario and Andrew Mangiapane for Stockton).

–Adrian Kempe’s game-tying goal was his seventh of the season and third in his last five games.

–The Reign outshot the Heat, 38-25. Kurtis MacDermid finished with a game-high five shots on goal.

VIDEO

IN-GAME NOTES

–It was learned by LA Kings Insider Jon Rosen through team hockey operations that Mersch is a bit banged up and that’s the reason he’s out of the lineup tonight.

–Mike Stothers has been selected to represent the Pacific as the division’s head coach during the All-Star Classic, the AHL announced during the game.

PREGAME NOTES

–Notably missing from warmups was LW Michael Mersch, who will miss his first game this season. It’s been inquired about by LAKI/ORI to get an update on his status.

–Here’s how the Reign aligned in line rushes:

Patrick Bjorkstrand – T.J. Hensick – Teddy Purcell
Brett Sutter – Mike Amadio – Sean Backman
Justin Auger – Adrian Kempe – Jonny Brodzinski
Sam Herr – Michael Latta – Joel Lowry

Damir Sharipzianov – Vincent LoVerde
Kurtis MacDermid – Paul LaDue
Rob Scuderi – Zac Leslie

–Tonight’s scratches for Ontario will be: D Alex Lintuniemi, F/D Paul Bissonnette, F Andrew Crescenzi, D Alexx Privitera, D Zach Trotman and of course, Mersch.

–Here’s some sound bites from head coach Mike Stothers previewing tonight’s game, courtesy of Joey Zakrzewski:

Pregame Quotes: Coach Mike Stothers says focus and determination will play roles in tonight's contest vs. @AHLHeathttps://t.co/PD805fBuY9

— Ontario Reign (@ontarioreign) January 1, 2017