Gulls, Reign Close Home-And-Home Series In El Segundo

Apr 14, 2021

The San Diego Gulls renew acquaintances with the rival Ontario Reign tonight at Toyota Sports Performance Center (6 p.m.; TV: AHL.TV; RADIO: Gulls Audio Network). 

The Gulls and Reign meet for the eighth matchup of a ten-game season series. San Diego dominated the series thus far, winning six of seven matchups, including each of the first five contests. The Gulls earned a 7-4 victory over the Reign on Tuesday as Trevor Zegras (2-2=4) and Chase De Leo (2-2=4) each registered four-point games.

San Diego’s offense continued to produce in bunches, as Tuesday marked the fifth time over the past eight games the Gulls scored at least six goals. They lead the American Hockey League in total goals (104) and power-play goals (24). San Diego won nine of its last 11 games, averaging 4.8 goals per game and outscoring its opponents 53-34 over that span.

Part of the sustained offensive output is from special teams. The Gulls struck for three power-play goals Tuesday and added a shorthanded tally. San Diego scored eight goals on the man advantage in the last seven games (8-for-37, 21.6%).

“We’ll talk about the shorthanded goal, but I thought we did a fabulous job on the 5-on-3,” said Gulls head coach Kevin Dineen. “Overall, I think our penalty skill was really solid against a team that moves the puck well. With Frk in their lineup, they’ve got a bomb out there and our guys showed a lot of bravery getting in front of that thing. Over the last month, I think our power play has been good and they got back on track [Tuesday]. Special teams were a big difference.”

Protecting a narrow lead for much of the third period Tuesday, San Diego turned to rookie centers Benoit-Olivier Groulx and Zegras to maintain puck possession with faceoff wins.

“I thought [Zegras’] faceoffs are really taking a step in a positive direction,” said Dineen. “I saw a level of responsibility with his defensive zone play. Early on, we were kind of looking for matchups and as the game wore on we put him in more responsible situations, starting on faceoffs in his own zone. I thought he did a good job there and I think that’s a good learning experience.”

“The coaches say when you’re at the end of the period and don’t want to give up a goal, you just don’t want to lose the faceoff clean,” added Groulx. “I think [Zegras] won one and lost the last one but it was a 50/50 battle. We’ll take that any day. When we’re locked in on draws and block shots - we had a lot of blocked shots today - it makes it easier for the goalie.”

Ontario will look to snap out of a rough stretch against their Southern California rival. The Gulls own points in 12 of their last 14 games against the Reign (12-2-2-0) and wins in six of seven meetings this season (6-1-0-0). The Gulls outscored the Reign 34-22 and killed 30-of-32 (93.8%) Ontario power plays.

The Reign enter play Thursday sitting last in the Pacific Division by point percentage (.375). Ontario continues to struggle on home ice, losing three straight home contests for a 5-7-3-0 record.