One of the best things about the AHL are the passionate rivalries, especially in the Pacific Division. While little more than a decade old, at different times, Ontario has had real bad blood with San Diego, San Jose, and Coachella Valley. Don’t count Bakersfield out of that mix either. There was a period of time just a few years ago where the tension was palpable whenever the Reign and Condors squared off.

After Friday night’s first of eight contests between the two clubs was all said and done (culminating in a 3-2 victory for Ontario on home ice, no less), there’s certainly some excitement building in advance of their immediate rematch on Saturday.

To finish off their quick home-and-home series this weekend, Reign coach Andrew Lord is expected to rest veteran goaltender Pheonix Copley and go with Isaiah Saville instead.

Given the health of Lord’s forward group, don’t look for any changes there — except maybe a slight shuffling of two wingers. Regardless, one thing should be a given: the line of Andre Lee, Kenny Connors and Jared Wright is almost a sure bet to stay together for the foreseeable future. They’ve been the team’s best trio all season and accounted for two of the Ontario’s three goals in the series opener.

It’s out on the blueline where changes could possibly be afoot on Saturday. After Otto Salin drew in for a rare appearance this season, would Lord be willing to take the rookie out so quickly? He may just opt to keep everybody together as is. However, Jakub Dvorak would be a candidate to squeeze back in if he gets medical clearance. The 6-foot-5 rearguard left practice with an undisclosed injury earlier this week and his status remains TBD.

Injury Updates

As noted in yesterday’s pregame article, Erik Portillo remains sidelined due to injury. Last week in Calgary, Ontario’s No. 1 netminder left the game just a few minutes after puck drop with what’s been described as a flare up of an old injury. Although there isn’t a definitive timeline for his return, there is internal optimism that Portillo will only be out a few weeks.

Up front, Kings prospect Franky Pinelli sat out game one vs. Bakersfield and isn’t expected to play tonight. In his absence, fellow prospect Aatu Jamsen was elevated off the fourth line and was getting additional minutes. That’s likely to continue in Saturday’s rematch.

One other roster note this morning ..

Franky Pinelli sat out last night for AHL Ontario. He was a little banged up in the prior game. Wasn’t ready to go after getting the week off.

Sounds like he’ll sit again tonight. However, current plans call for 71 to draw back in next Fri.

— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) November 22, 2025

What You May Have Missed

Kenny Connors’ first Gordie Howe Hat Trick was rather memorable on Friday night. Be sure to check out some of the video highlights here:

Reign Recap: Kenny Connors’ Gordie Fuels Win Over Condors

Reign Projected Lineup vs. Condors

If there are any key changes during pregame warmups, this article will be updated.

Ward – Thomas – Chromiak
Jamsen – Gawdin – Guttman
Lee – Connors – Wright
Isogai – Hughes – Ziemmer

Hicketts – Salin
Kirsanov – Burroughs
Booth – Bolduc

Saville (starter)
Copley

Likely scratches: (F) Pinelli and (D) Dvorak, Millar

Injured: Brown, Doty, Lawrence (month-to-month), Parker-Jones, Portillo

Key Game Info

Puck drop is set for 7:00 pm Pacific Time and will be streamed via FloSports. Additionally, a Reign radio feed is available here.

Game day graphic created by ALoImages

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