Gameday Preview: Texas Stars at Ontario Reign

Texas Stars 17-14-2-3, 39 pts #4 Pacific Division

at

Ontario Reign 17-8-2-1, 37 pts #1 Pacific Division

January 5th at 9:00 PM

Citizens Business Bank Arena, Ontario, CA

If the playoffs started today (and you ignored that pesky crossover rule), this would be the opening round matchup for the Texas Stars. The last and only time these two teams squared off was an offensive showcase that ended in a 7-6 regulation loss by the Stars.

Texas might have caught the Reign at just the right time. Ontario has lost three in a row in regulation, which is something they've not done as an organization since March 29-April 6 2013. They've got just one win in the five games since Christmas, scoring just six goals in that stretch. Strong goaltending had been a hallmark from their top man Peter Budaj. He's stopped all but 12 in the span. Not stellar but winnable nonetheless.

Unfortunately, Texas might provide a good chance to break out of a scoring funk. The Stars have scored the most goals in the league but also have allowed the most by a wide margin (130).

Note the very late start. Thank goodness the Pacific teams don't do 7:30 PM local starts or we'd be wrapping up the postgame article after midnight.

Stars injury/call up report:
Faksa (callup)
Shore, Lagace, Troock, Johns (injury)

Website: ontarioreign.com
Twitter: @ontarioreign
Coverage: Reign coverage via Jewels from the Crown