Gulls Conclude Season Series With Rival Reign
May 6, 2021The San Diego Gulls conclude their 10-game season series with the rival Ontario Reign tonight at FivePoint Arena (7 p.m. PT; TV: AHL TV; RADIO: Gulls Audio Network). The Gulls own a 7-2-0-0 mark against the Reign this season, including a 3-1-0-0 record on home ice.
Tonight marks the final regular-season home game at San Diego's temporary home at Great Park Ice. The Gulls made their mark in Orange County this season, entering their final game in Irvine leading the American Hockey League in wins (15), points (31) and goals scored (78) on home ice.
The Gulls have outscored the Reign 40-29 and killed 38-of-41 (92.6%) Ontario power plays this season. San Diego has earned points in 13 of its last 16 games against Ontario (11-3-2-0). Andrew Poturalski leads the Gulls in scoring (3-11=14) and assists while Chase De Leo paces the club with six goals against Ontario this season.
Tonight is the second matchup of a home-and-home series between the two Pacific Division rivals. Ontario earned its second victory of the series Wednesday with a 6-4 comeback win. The Gulls led 4-2 through two periods, but Mikey Eyssimont led the charge as the Reign scored four unanswered goals in the final frame to stun San Diego.
“I thought we play two great periods,” said Gulls assistant coach Sylvain Lefebvre. “We were up and down, and shooting was really good. In the third period, a couple of bad decisions and a goal from the outside and a lost battle behind the net. Ontario came up ready to play in the third period.”
“You have to keep your foot on the gas,” added forward Matt Lorito. “I think we kind of started to sit back towards the end of the second there and in the third, for whatever reason, we got away from our structure and gave them a little too much time and space. It was a good lesson for the younger guys. You have to make sure you’re focused going into the third with a two-goal lead. Those are the games you have to make sure you close out.”
San Diego enters play Friday sitting third in the Pacific Division by point percentage (.603) with five games remaining in the regular season. Following tonight’s game, the Gulls will visit the Bakersfield Condors before a three-game set at the Colorado Eagles.
Rookies Bryce Kindopp and Alex Limoges will look to continue their point streaks. Kindopp carries a three-game assist and point streak (2-3=5) into the final matchup with Ontario, while Limoges is riding a four-game point streak (4-2=6).
The Reign visit FivePoint Arena riding a four-game road winning streak (4-0-0-0). Arthur Kaliyev paces the team in scoring (11-13=24) as the only double-digit goal scorer on the club. Akil Thomas owns a three-game point streak (2-4=6).