The Ontario Reign took care of business, beating the San Jose Barracudas and clinching a spot in the Calder Cup playoffs.
It was not an easy game for Ontario, being down 2-0 through the first period.
Just 15 seconds after puck drop, Brandon Coe scored on the first shot of the game. A bad defensive breakdown for the Reign put San Jose up early.
Then, with just under seven minutes left in the opening frame, Nathan Todd went five-hole on Aaron Dell, giving the Barracudas some insurance.
You can count on one hand how many good shifts the Reign had in the first period. Just all around poor hockey.
The start of the second was a lot stronger for the Reign, having better shifts and putting more shots to the net.
Akil Thomas eventually put the Reign on the board with a wrist shot that went under the glove of Magnus Chroma.
Right before the second period came to an end, Charles Hudon scored a one-timer while on the mad advantage, knotting the game up at two.
A tightly contested third period had fans on the edge of their seats, before Taylor Ward scored with 3:38 left to play.
San Jose would make a late push that would fall short. A 3-2 win on the road, as all eyes would turn to the San Diego Gulls vs Bakersfield Condors game.
About five minutes after the Reign game ended, the Condors would defeat the Gulls, clinching a spot for the Ontario Reign in the Calder Cup playoffs!
Here are my three takeaways from the game
Akil Thomas Stays Hot
“Real Deal” Akil Thomas brought the fire he had in Ontario up north.
The AHL player of the week recorded his 22nd goal of the season, which is good for second on the team.
Thomas has also tallied four goals and seven points in his last four games. Ever since Fagemo went down, he has really stepped up and became a different player.
The Return Of Charles Hudon
Veteran Charles Hudon had been a staple this season for the Ontario Reign. Hudon, a threat on the power play with a deadly shot, was out for two weeks due to injury.
When asked about returning to the lineup, Hudon had this to say, “It was nice. It was a tough two weeks for me mentally. It’s just nice to be back with the boys. It was a good game for us.”
As aforementioned, his return gives the Reign another option while on the man advantage. We saw that today, as he went bar down with a one-timer on the power play.
Hudon also assisted Akil Thomas’ goal in the second period, tallying up two points in the win. A huge pickup right before playoffs for Ontario.
Clinched A Playoff Spot
For the fourth straight season, the Ontario Reign are going to compete in the Calder Cup playoffs. Last season, the Reign would get swept out of Colorado, losing 0-2 in a three game series.
This season, the Reign are lined up for home-ice advantage, currently sitting 3rd in the Pacific Division.
The journey is not over yet, Ontario will need to keep winning in order to secure home-ice advantage, and play in front of the Reign faithful.
On Saturday, the Reign will have another scrap with the Bakersfield Condors, looking to bury them in the standings.