Ontario Reign: Three takeaways from 3-1 win against Henderson

Goal Breakdown:

First period:

HSK: Jakub Brabenec (2), ASST: Adam Cracknell (8), Jake Bischoff (8)

ONT: PP Charles Hudon (8), ASST: Brandt Clarke (16), Samuel Fagemo (5)

Second period:

ONT: Akil Thomas (5), ASST: Alex Turcotte (14), Cole Krygier (4)

ONT: PP Samuel Fagemo (10), ASST: Brandt Clarke (17), Akil Thomas (6)

Third period:

None

Stats

Goals:

HSK: 1

ONT: 3

Shots: 

HSK: 21

ONT: 24

Power plays:

HSK: 0/4

ONT: 2/5

Here are the three takeaways from Wednesday’s 3-1 victory:

Special teams are the difference

The times I’ve been able to attend Marco Sturm’s postgame interviews he mentions special teams being a difference if it affects the game positively or negatively for the Reign. Last night, special teams ended up being the difference for the Reign in a positive way. The penalty kill killed all four penalties while the power play went two-for-five, getting goals from Samuel Fagemo and Charles Hudon.

Each team scored one goal at five-on-five play, so special teams needed to capitalize on the opportunities they were given, and they did. The power play has struggled lately, so getting two goals from them could be a good sign going forward.

Racking up the points

Brandt Clarke has come just as advertised. This is a player who has superstar status in the NHL, and Kings fans should be excited about it. He’s always looking to create chances and join the rush at five-on-five and sometimes looks more like a forward than a defenseman. While Clarke’s defensive game is still a work in progress, his offensive game has been fantastic. Clarke racked up two more primary assists on the power play to give him 22 points in 21 games for the Ontario Reign.

After having his nine-game point streak snapped last week, Clarke has recorded two assists in each of his previous two games. Clarke is currently sixth in the AHL in assists and leads all rookies in that category with 17. He has had no problem transitioning to the professional level.

Get familiar

Before yesterday’s game, Henderson and Ontario had only met once this season. Ontario won that game 4-1 on a Friday matinee game at the Dollar Loan Center back in October. Yesterday was the first of four meetings between the two Pacific Division teams this month. They will have to get familiar with one another entering the new year.

Notes:

*Henderson has now lost eight of their last eleven games (3-5-3).

*Ontario has won eight of their last eleven games (8-2-1).

*Samuel Fagemo recorded his 6th power-play in ten games since re-joining the Ontario Reign.

*Akil Thomas recorded his second multi-point game of the season (1G-1A).

*David Rittich made 2o saves to earn his seventh victory of the season.

UP NEXT: The Ontario Reign return to action Friday night as they take on the Bakersfield Condors at Toyota Arena. The game starts at 7 PM and can be seen on AHLTV.