Reign Take Down Barracuda on Pink in the Rink, 1-0
February 6, 2016 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Ontario Reign News Release
Ontario Reign Celebrate in Pink Jerseys
(Ontario Reign)
Ontario, CA - Netminder Peter Budaj recorded his third consecutive shutout and forward Michael Mersch scored the lone goal to help the Ontario Reign (27-10-3-1) edge past the San Jose Barracuda (19-15-5-3), 1-0, in front of a sellout crowd of 9,491 for Pink in the Rink on Friday night at Citizens Business Bank Arena.
"I just try to stay in the moment and not think too much ahead," said Budaj about his shutout victory. "I know it's cliché, but it's very true. I just try to focus on the next puck and focus on the next shot and think everything's going to take care of itself. I can't thanks the guys in front of me enough. They all play really well."
Mersch scored his team-leading 17th goal of the season at 13:52 of the first period on the power play with help from forward Nic Dowd and defenseman Kevin Gravel. The assist marks Dowd's 25th tally of the season. Ontario outshot San Jose, 15-4 at the end of the frame.
"I just went to the net and the rebound popped up to me at the right place at the right time and it worked out," said Mersch. "They're a good team and they're well coached and you can tell by the way they play."
The Reign tacked on eight shots in the middle stanza, but the score remained, 1-0, thanks to solid goaltending from netminder Aaron Dell. Ontario limited the Barracuda to just one chance.
Not to be outdone, San Jose broke open the third frame with momentum, peppering 16 shots throughout the period. Their closest opportunity came when forward Ryan Carpenter fired two back-to-back shots with just three minutes left in regulation, but was denied by Budaj to preserve the victory.
Budaj tallied 22 saves for his AHL-leading eighth shutout of the season. Dell finished with 29 stops on 30 attempts.
"We know that they didn't show give us their best," said Budaj, "No offense to their team, but I think we played really well and we were on them in first two periods."
The Reign rematch against the Barracuda tomorrow, Saturday, February 6 at 6:00 p.m. at Citizens Business Bank Arena on Loma Linda University Children's Hospital Night! The Reign will wear special Valentine-themed jerseys and host a postgame live jersey auction benefiting Loma Linda University Children's Hospital. Buy Tickets
Push the Reign into the 2016 Calder Cup Playoffs! The Reign Stretch-Run Pack is on sale now! Grab tickets to four great Reign games, free parking, a $10 gift certificate to Team LA and grab Reign merchandise and a $10 gift certificate to Famous Dave's Legendary Pit Bar-B-Que! Packs start as low as $49! More Information & Buy Packs
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