While the LA Kings are fighting to secure a playoff spot, their AHL affiliate, the Ontario Reign, were able to clinch a spot in the Calder Cup Playoffs on Wednesday night. The Reign would get a 3-2 win over the San Jose Barracudas but clinch the playoff spot because of the Tucson Roadrunners.
The Reign jumped out to a two-goal lead in the first minute with goals by Andre Lee and Martin Chromiak. However, the Barracuda fought back and had two goals of their own in the period to tie it up heading into the second period.
Aatu Jamsen would break that tie with a goal in the second period and that would be the last goal of the game. Pheonix Copley was a big reason for the win as he would save 36 of 38 shots in this game while the Reign could only muster 19 shots.
This will be the Reign's fourth straight trip to the Calder Cup Playoffs and they will try to get further than they did last year when they reached the Divisional Round.
The Reign this season already have three players with over 50 points with Charles Hudon leading the way with 59. He was originally a fifth round selection by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2012 NHL Draft and joined the Kings organization this past offseason on a two-year deal.
Glenn Gawdin is another veteran who joined the Kings organization this season after playing in the Ducks organization the past two seasons. He is only two points behind Hudon for the team lead with 24 goals and 33 assists.
Could the Ontario Reign be getting more help for the playoffs?
Now that the Ontario Reign has secured their spot in the Calder Cup playoffs, it will be interesting to see who is added to the roster between now and then. Recently, the Kings signed Otto Salin to his entry-level contract and while the contract doesn't start until next season they could add him on a tryout basis.
However, the player that I am watching closely is Carter George, the Kings second round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft and has played in the OHL this season. The Reign have been dealing with injuries at the position as Erik Portillo has been out for an extended period, leaving the Reign primarily with just Pheonix Copley.
The Reign will have to wait for the Owen Sound Attack to wrap up their playoff run but once that does, George should be quickly brought to Ontario.