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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\u2019t 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. <\/p>\n
After Friday night\u2019s 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\u2019s certainly some excitement building in advance of their immediate rematch on Saturday.<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
Given the health of Lord\u2019s forward group, don\u2019t look for any changes there \u2014 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\u2019ve been the team\u2019s best trio all season and accounted for two of the Ontario\u2019s three goals in the series opener. <\/p>\n
It\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n
Injury Updates <\/p>\n
As noted in yesterday\u2019s pregame article, Erik Portillo remains sidelined due to injury. Last week in Calgary, Ontario\u2019s No. 1 netminder left the game just a few minutes after puck drop with what\u2019s been described as a flare up of an old injury. Although there isn\u2019t a definitive timeline for his return, there is internal optimism that Portillo will only be out a few weeks. <\/p>\n
Up front, Kings prospect Franky Pinelli sat out game one vs. Bakersfield and isn\u2019t expected to play tonight. In his absence, fellow prospect Aatu Jamsen was elevated off the fourth line and was getting additional minutes. That\u2019s likely to continue in Saturday\u2019s rematch. <\/p>\n
One other roster note this morning ..<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Sounds like he’ll sit again tonight. However, current plans call for 71 to draw back in next Fri.<\/p>\n
\u2014 The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) November 22, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n What You May Have Missed<\/p>\n Kenny Connors\u2019 first Gordie Howe Hat Trick was rather memorable on Friday night. Be sure to check out some of the video highlights here:<\/p>\n Reign Recap: Kenny Connors\u2019 Gordie Fuels Win Over Condors<\/a><\/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 Ward \u2013 Thomas \u2013 Chromiak Hicketts \u2013 Salin Saville (starter) Likely scratches: (F) Pinelli and (D) Dvorak, Millar<\/p>\n Injured: Brown, Doty, Lawrence (month-to-month), Parker-Jones, Portillo<\/p>\n Key Game Info<\/p>\n Puck drop is set for 7:00 pm 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 Game day graphic created 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
Jamsen \u2013 Gawdin \u2013 Guttman
Lee \u2013 Connors \u2013 Wright
Isogai \u2013 Hughes \u2013 Ziemmer<\/p>\n
Kirsanov \u2013 Burroughs
Booth \u2013 Bolduc<\/p>\n
Copley<\/p>\n