PREVIEW: Gulls, Reign Renew Rivalry In Matinee Matchup

Feb 26, 2023

By AJ Manderichio/SanDiegoGulls.com

The San Diego Gulls head up the freeway, facing the rival Ontario Reign in a matinee matchup at Pechanga Arena San Diego (3 p.m. PT; TV: AHL TV; RADIO: Gulls Audio Network).

San Diego looks to end a four-game winless skid which started with an overtime loss to the Reign eight days ago. Rocco Grimaldi recorded the third hat trick of his American Hockey League career (last: Jan. 22, 2022 w/MIL at GR) and the three-goal performance on home ice for the team this season. Michael Del Zotto tallied a trio of assists in the win (0-3=3), registering a career-high for assists earned in a single AHL game. Martin Chromiak and Lias Andersson scored twice for the Reign in the win, while Ontario captain T.J. Tynan grabbed three assists.

"I don’t think it’s gonna be the same as last game," Grimaldi said following practice yesterday at The Rinks – Poway Ice. "I think they’re gonna know that, you know, we outplayed them and they got lucky to win that one. But I think they’re going to come out really strong; it’s their building, they play better at home anyways. I think it’s going to be a different game, different atmosphere. We got to be ready from the drop of the puck."

Grimaldi enters tonight looking to put an exclamation mark on a stellar February. The Rossmoor, CA native recorded seven goals in his last five games and nine of the Gulls’ 20 goals in February, accounting for 45% of the team’s scoring during the month. As of February 25, he sat tied for the league lead with 26 goals and paces Gulls skaters in goals and points (26-26=52). He’s tied for the team lead with 26 assists.

"Just been studying the game a bit more, trying to figure out ways to put myself in better areas, get better looks at the net," Grimaldi said when asked to explain the reason behind his success. "Honestly, it’s paying dividends, and it’s just kind of growing my hunger for the game and trying to learn more, and it’s working. So, it’s something that I’m going to have to continue to do going forward."

He’s formed a dynamic duo with Chase De Leo, who returned in that Feb. 18 matchup following a long-term injury. San Diego’s captain has points in all five games he’s played this season, posting 4-2=6 in those contests. He’s collected 2-2=4 in his four games back, skating on the team’s top line with Grimaldi.

"I mean, I think we’re two of the best players in this league," Grimaldi said of himself and his fellow Southern California native. "You put us together, and we’re tough to handle. We’re small, but we’re tough to contain. We have good speed, we’re smart, we read off each other well.

"You know, we played four or five games together, but I kind of know the way he thinks and hopefully he knows the way I think. We have good chemistry and, you know, hopefully we can keep doing what we’re doing but start getting some wins at the same time."

Ontario comes into the game with wins in four of their last five games, including a 6-1 victory over the San Jose Barracuda on Friday night. Jacob Moverare led the charge, finishing with 1-2=3 points. Three others finished in double digits and goaltender Matthew Villalta stood tall, stopping 34 shots.