Overview
- Ontario evened the best-of-five Friday with a 5-1 win, as Pheonix Copley stopped 34 shots and Nikke Kokko made 19 saves.
- Coachella Valley scored first through Lleyton Roed, then Ontario answered with goals by Logan Brown, Glenn Gawdin, Cole Guttman, a shorthanded strike from Francesco Pinelli, and an empty-netter from Martin Chromiak.
- Ontario’s penalty kill went a perfect 5-for-5, and the Firebirds’ power play finished 0-for-5.
- The Reign changed goaltenders after Game 1, turning to Copley instead of Erik Portillo, which brought a steadier defensive effort that coach Andrew Lord said looked “back to ourselves.”
- Games 3 and 4 are scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday in Palm Desert, and the series winner will face the Colorado Eagles or Henderson Silver Knights in the Pacific Division final.