Jon Rheault scored twice, and Geoff Walker and Tim Kraus added one apiece, as the Reign salvaged the final game of a three-game series with the Aces. The Reign did not lead until Walker’s third-effort goal at 7:38 of the third period.

As far as the playoff
picture is concerned, the victory means the Reign need two points,
not four, to escape the National Conference cellar. That’s the good
news.

The bad news is that the seventh-place Stockton Thunder (71 points) are
only point ahead of the Reign (70), but have two games in hand. The
Reign are two points behind the Las Vegas Wranglers and Victoria Salmon
Kings; Las Vegas has played one fewer game than the Reign.

But, as head coach Karl Taylor was quick to point out after the game, that means the
Reign control their own destiny the rest of the season. Whether or not they return to the playoffs hinges
on a three-game series in Las Vegas beginning Thursday.

The Reign dressed 12 forwards and five defensemen, as Dan Knapp has joined Luis Tremblay on injured reserve.

More details on the game, and the playoff picture, in tomorrow’s editions of the Sun and Daily Bulletin.

Citing a desire to get in his licks in Las Vegas, Riverside heavyweight
Chris Arreola “signed a contract” with the Reign during the first
period. The contract is believed to be non-binding.