The Ontario Reign looked to extend their winning streak to five games, as they squared off against their potential first-round matchup Abbotsford Canucks Sunday night.
It was a good first period for the Reign, putting up eleven shots on goal to Abbotsford's five.
Ontario had seemingly better offensive zone time throughout the opening frame, but couldn’t find the great looks on Arturs Silovs.
A costly defensive breakdown on the power play led Sheldon Dries on a breakaway chance, slipping the puck through Erik Portillo’s five-hole and giving Abbotsford a 1-0 lead.
By the end of the second period, the Reign led the shots on goal department 20-10, with nothing to show for it.
The Reign continued to dominate in the offensive zone, peppering Silovs with shots throughout the third period.
Finally, the Reign got one past midway through the frame. Rookie Francesco Pinelli, who has turned into a different skater compared to the start of the season, scored on a rebound try, evening the game at one.
Pinelli mentioned how he has “Felt a lot better the past month or two.” It definitely seemed like the 20-year-old rookie was pressing at the season's start, trying to get acclimated to professional hockey.
Joe Hicketts was credited with the assist, putting him at seven straight games with a point. Since coming off of his injury, he has been a game changer for Ontario.
With 2:25 left to play in the final period, recent acquisition Luke Rowe blasted one from the red line, squeaking through Silovs for his first professional goal of his career.
That would be the game winner, sending the fans home happy with a 2-1 win over the Canucks.
Here are my three takeaways from the game
Finding their groove
After the departures to Brandt Clarke and Alex Turcotte, it seemed as though the Reign were having trouble generating any sort of good play in all three zones of the ice.
As time goes on, though, the Reign look to have figured out their game again. Currently on a five game heater, Ontario is tied in fourth place with 62 points, along with the Calgary Wranglers and the Abbotsford Canucks.
The addition of Joe Hicketts has been huge, as mentioned early, is on a seven game point streak, and is playing well in all three zones.
Luke Rowe has also played magnificent in his first two games. The Air Force alumni has impressed head coach Marco Sturm thus far, saying “He’s way better than we thought and it has nothing to do with the goal today-I’m very happy with the way he plays.”
Defense Wins Games
Abbotsford put up a measly 18 shots on goal, compared to the Reign’s 35. Credited to the back six, this was a key to victory.
The pair of Hicketts and Rowe played a big part in the win. Veteran Kevin Connauton should not be overlooked either, skating very well as of late.
Erik Portillo was doing Erik Portillo things, playing another marvelous game in between the pipes.
Francesco Pinelli
I mentioned in my latest article that Pinelli has been playing better of late. His craftiness on the ice, and his plus speed has given the Reign some valuable time on the ice.
Breaking through Sunday night, I find it right that he is in the spotlight again. It was a rough start to the season, but he seems to have found himself.
Sturm had this to say about Pinelli, “There was a lot he had to learn and now I feel like he’s found a role in the fourth line at the center spot, and he’s been really solid the last few weeks.”
The Reign are back at it Wednesday night against Abbotsford again, with a lot of playoff implications on the line.