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Only two games remain before the AHL All-Star break for coach Andrew Lord\u2019s Ontario Reign, and they won\u2019t be freebies. This weekend features a home-and-home series against the third place Condors, set to kick off Friday night in Bakersfield. <\/p>\n
The Condors have been playing strong hockey as of late. They enter the matchup riding a three-game winning streak and boast a 7-2-1 record over their last 10 contests. Much of that success has been driven by 24-year-old Quinn Hutson, who has been a catalyst offensively with 24 goals and 18 assists in 39 games this season.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, their recent surge has tightened the Pacific Division race. Colorado and Ontario, who sit first and second respectively, are currently deadlocked at 60 points. Meanwhile, Bakersfield sits just three points back at 57 and holds a game in hand on the Reign. <\/p>\n
Safe to say, this two-game set will carry significant weight for both teams.<\/p>\n
With that in mind, Ontario will receive a significant boost to its lineup tonight. Captain Joe Hicketts, who was recalled by LA on Wednesday, is back with the Reign and is expected to slot into the lineup in Bakersfield.<\/p>\n
ROSTER MOVE: <\/p>\n
Joe Hicketts has been returned to AHL Ontario from his NHL call-up with the Kings. He is expected to play for the Reign tonight in Bakersfield. <\/p>\n
Full lineup projection and game preview article coming soon.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Anthony Collazo (@anthonycollazo_) February 6, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n In other blueline updates, Kings prospect Jakub Dvorak is a little banged up and will sit this one out. Fellow LA hopeful Otto Salin in nearing a return yet isn\u2019t quite ready to draw in tonight. <\/p>\n Overall, this will be the first time in nearly two weeks where Ontario will dress both Kenny Connors and Hicketts in the same lineup, adding an important layer of stability and leadership to the group.<\/p>\n In net, Erik Portillo will make his first start following a rare loss. Before his outing last Sunday, the 25-year-old netminder had rattled off 10 straight wins. He\u2019ll look to get back in the win column tonight with his first start vs. the Condors in more than year. That game was on Jan. 24, 2025 \u2014 also in Bakersfield \u2014 and Portillo gave up only two goals that night en route to a win. <\/p>\n One major key to a potential victory for Ontario tonight will be a stronger third period. Over their last four games, the Reign have managed a combined total of just 12 shots during the final frame of regulation. Said differently, that\u2019s 12 shots across 80 minutes of play. Thus, improving their late-game push will likely be critical.<\/p>\n The same two teams will square off tomorrow night at Toyota Arena in Ontario. <\/p>\n Reign Projected Lineup vs. Condors<\/p>\n If there are any key changes during pregame warmups, this article will be updated.<\/p>\n Lee \u2013 Gawdin \u2013 Chromiak Hicketts \u2013 Bolduc Portillo (starter) Likely scratches: (F) Brown, Ziemmer and (D) Dvorak, Salin<\/p>\n Recalled to LA: Ward<\/p>\n Injured: Burroughs<\/p>\n Key Game Info<\/p>\n Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. Pacific Time and will be streamed via FloSports<\/a>. Additionally, a Reign radio feed is available here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Follow @mayorNHL<\/a><\/p>\n Gameday image by ALoImages<\/p>\n Note to webmasters\/reporters: When recapping news or interviews from this site please remember to include a link to www.MayorsManor.com<\/a><\/p>\n
Alexandrov \u2013 Connors \u2013 Guttman
Jamsen \u2013 Pinelli \u2013 Wright
Hughes \u2013 Lawrence \u2013 Doty<\/p>\n
Booth \u2013 Millar
Kirsanov \u2013 Rego<\/p>\n
Salin<\/p>\n