Just two games on the schedule for the Ontario Reign gives them a 2-0-0-0 record for the week. The three stars this week really showed out.
3rd star: TJ Tynan
The captain of the Ontario Reign continues to lead by example as the season wears on. Tynan assisted on two goals in Friday’s 3-1 victory over the Colorado Eagles. As with last year, Tynan is on pace for an assist a game with 19 this season. Sometimes there is no better way to lead than to do the work yourself.
2nd star: Cal Petersen
The demotion of 1B netminder Petersen sent a ripple through Kings fandom and showed that the coaching staff in Los Angeles were really focused on sending a message to Petersen to get his game back. Two games is a small sample size, but to see Petersen’s record be 2-0-0-0 is nice in comparison to his current 5-3-2 record in the NHL. What’s nicer is his 1.51GAA in the AHL, demolishing his 3.52 in the NHL. These could be excellent signs that Cal is righting the ship himself, finding a way to get the positive out of a fairly negative situation. A few more starts under his belt and Petersen should be ready to get back to his game with the Los Angeles Kings.
1st star: Quinton Byfield
The star is alive. 10 points in 10 games for Byfield earns him top honors this week. Specifically, his excellent hat trick in Ontario’s 5-2 win over the Bakersfield Condors. Byfield has been making his presence known on the AHL ice during his stint in the minors and this week was no different. What’s more impressive is Byfield was a +3 in that game, meaning he’s driving play toward the opposing net. It’s a wonderful sight to see Byfield making the most of the opportunities given to him as he makes the case for a roster spot in Los Angeles.
Byfield and Petersen should both be on the shortlist for returning to the NHL roster sooner, rather than later. Tynan will probably continue to lead the Reign rather than being called up. Once they head up to the big club, it will clear space for those in the Reign organization but not the roster to have their shots.
More must-reads: