Preview: Monsters Look to Extend Point Streak Against Reign
Ontario Reign at Cleveland Monsters
Friday, October 27th, 2017; 7 pm est
AND
Saturday, October 28th, 2017; 1 pm est
Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, Ohio
Radio: 99x(99.1); 99x Online
Twitter: @ontarioreign, @Monstershockey
Cleveland Monsters, 2-2-1-0, 5 points, .500 win%, 4th Central, 10th West
vs
Ontario Reign, 0-5-0-0, 0 points, .000 win%, 8th Pacific, 15th West
The Ontario Reign roll into Quicken Loans Arena this weekend to take on the Cleveland Monsters. This will be the first time they play each other in the regular season. The two met previously during the 2015-16 Western Conference Finals of the Calder Cup Playoffs.
Riding a two-game point streak, the Monsters are looking to keep the points coming. On the flip side, the Reign haven't won a game this season. They want to get something cooking before the season gets too far out of their hands.
Last season, the Monsters had a habit of playing down or up to their opponents level. Let's hope the Monsters come out firing on all cylinders and extend the Reign's lose streak to seven.
Don't get fancy. The Reign is a team which will take advantage of an overly fancy team. If the opportunity arises to steal a puck, they'll do it. Keep the no-look cross-ice passes and fancy stick work to a minimum. Simple, quick plays that allow you to constantly attack the net will be key to helping lock up both games this weekend.
Tighten up the special teams. I'll probably say this every preview you until the special teams begin to gel. If they can constantly put pucks on net and keep the puck out of their defensive zone, things will go great.
Keep an eye on T.J. Hensick. The former Monster needs to be shut down at all costs. Once Hensick lights up he becomes a fire which cannot be contained. Don't let his pointless season fool you. Hensick is a playmaker. If he can't score, he'll find a way for someone else to score. Even if it means getting off so a stronger, better player can hop on and finish the play.
Season Series
10/27/2017
10/28/2017
03/14/2018
03/31/2018