Reign 3, Utah 1.

Posted on February 27, 2010 by J.P. Hoornstra

The Reign won their fifth straight game, but this one was different from the first four.

Curtis Darling stopped shots on the breakaway, on rebounds – “probably two or three pucks that should have been in the net,” said Karl Taylor – en route to a 28-save victory. The Reign also snuffed out the last four Utah power plays after giving up a backdoor goal early.

This one was a defensive gem – the Reign held an opponent under 30 shots for just the third time in February. Consider that Tony Voce got off four shots short-handed all by himself.

Jon Francisco, Mike Egener and Mike Howe scored goals. Because Las Vegas lost 6-4 to Stockton on Saturday, the Reign moved up to the seventh position in the National Conference standings.

More details in tomorrow’s edition of the Sun and Daily Bulletin.

About J.P. Hoornstra

J.P. Hoornstra covers the Dodgers, Angels and Major League Baseball for the Los Angeles Daily News, Long Beach Press-Telegram, Torrance Daily Breeze, San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Pasadena Star-News, San Bernardino Sun, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, Whittier Daily News and Redlands Daily Facts. Before taking the beat in 2012, J.P. covered the NHL for four years. UCLA gave him a degree once upon a time; when he graduated on schedule, he missed getting Arnold Schwarzenegger's autograph on his diploma by five months.
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  • Crossbar

    No question–the team’s on a roll, but those who live by the PK can also die by it. Giving the Grizzlies four consecutive power play opps. like they did tonight in a close, one-goal game could’ve just as easily resulted in a loss. And don’t forget, Utah’s leading scorer–Ryan Kinasewich (#3 in the league)–was out both games. If they can cut down on the unnecessary penalties, like they did last Sunday against Bakersfield, and with the offense coming into its own, Ontario might just surprise a few people when it comes time for the playoffs.

    Let’s go, Reign!

  • EB

    This was a good game. I would say that the Reign put in 60 minutes of good effort and good hockey and were NOT out-shot by their opponent. No real major complaints for this game. I was overall well pleased.