Ontario Reign takes control over first place in the AHL Pacific Division with its 5-4 shootout victory over the Henderson Silver Knights. Goalie Erik Portillo finished with 29 saves and Kenny Connor's lonesome shootout goal sent Henderson packing.
ONTARIO, CA. -- Erik Portillo completed the game with 29 saves, guarding the net like his life depended on it as the Ontario Reign won its fourth straight game in a 5-4 shootout against the Henderson Silver Knights Friday night in Ontario.
Kenny Connors scored the game-winning goal in the shootout after all three of Henderson’s players were unable to find the back of the net when it really mattered.
With this victory, the Reign (22-10-1-1; 46 points) climbed into first place in the AHL Pacific Division.
“I think that was a full team effort from us,” Jacob Doty said in postgame interviews. “Especially shorthanded, we need everybody pulling on the rope and we got that tonight.”
Despite the Reign losing yet another key player to the Los Angeles Kings as Cole Guttman was called up yesterday, the team understands they still have games to win, despite the changes made.
When asked what makes this team special, Doty said:
“Going back to our depth, you look at any lineup we have and I think we have a good chance on any night. We just need to play our game, I think that’s coming along. Some nights, maybe we don’t have it every night but I think we find a way.”
Koehn Ziemmer scored his first power-play goal in the AHL to give Ontario its first point in the opening period, but the Reign’s offense died down after that goal.
Mitch McLain and Jaycob Megna put two goals on the board for Henderson (16-11-3-2), handing them a 2-1 lead after the first.
Henderson’s defense was exceptional tonight, out-shooting Ontario 33-19, and 16-5 in period one alone.
Ontario played a substantial amount of time in the defensive zone, giving Henderson ample shots and time with the puck as they constantly broke up Ontario’s passes.
The Reign only had eight shots in the second period, but they held the Silver Knights scoreless with only six shots, which was the key.
Who knew? Less shots on goal equals less opportunity to score.
Doty scored his first goal of the season while Aatu Jämsen scored the Reign’s second power-play goal of the game to put Ontario up 3-2.
Portillo gave up two more goals to the Silver Knights in the final period, McLain’s second of the night and Sloan Stanick’s second goal of the season.
With five minutes remaining in regulation, Otto Salin scored the game-tying goal to send the contest into overtime.
Following a scoreless 5-minute overtime, Connors sent Henderson packing with his game-winning shootout goal.
“(It was a) resilient win,” Reign coach Andrew Lord said. “Really proud of the guys. Obviously we have some guys out of the lineup and it was great to see other guys get more minutes and step up in some situations, come away with some big goals and find a way to beat a really good hockey team.”
Ontario will take a short trip to Bakersfield to face the Condors (18-10-5-0 ) Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m.
Category: General Sports
