Brandon Scanlin pushing Hartford Wolf Pack’s offense
The Hartford Wolf Pack are approaching the halfway point of the season next week as the 2023-24 journey continues for the New York Rangers of tomorrow.
After a strong start to the season, Hartford has had to deal with a number of injuries and call ups that have strained their roster. Thankfully, the Rangers retooled the team over the summer with signings that not only improved the lineup, but also provided quality depth signings. While the depth has stepped up over the past couple of months, competing at a high level nightly is tough when there are continual changes. As a result, Hartford struggled in December and January.
However, the Wolf Pack continue to impress, especially in moments where their roster is depleted. On Jan. 6, the Pack pulled out a big win versus the league-leading Hershey Bears, who had won nine straight.
As we approach another week of action, the Wolf Pack look to continue their fine play.
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Hartford Wolf Pack Weekly
Brandon Scanlin Helps Offense
The 24-year old defenseman has guided Hartford’s offense in the last three outings, securing a game winning goal (against Providence) and preventing a shutout against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
Scanlin, in his second full season in the AHL and is not known for his offensive abilities, but he is steady on the back end, ensuring opponents are kept away from prime scoring chances. The prospect has goals in three straight games and points in the last 4 of his last 5 (3 goals, 1 assist).
“There’s a lot of belief in our room,” Scanlin said. “A lot of heart. A lot of character. And we continue to show that. It’s not done until the final buzzer goes”.
In addition, he is 3 points away from tying his season-high of 15 points. Scanlin continues to impress as he is having a good season. He was given opportunities for additional minutes when the club was depleted on the back end and has shown he can play in larger roles. For a depth defenseman, Scanlin has proved he can play in all aspects of the game and handle situations well.
Dylan Garand Progresses in Development
The 21-year old prospect bounced back in recent weeks after struggling in net earlier the season. Garand has proved he can bounce back and has done so along with the club. Through 16 games, he’s 9-4-3 with a 2.80 goals against average and a .906 save percentage. In his most recent action against Providence, the prospect excelled with numerous strong saves to keep Hartford in a game they struggled in. Garand was able to keep the club in it to secure two points. In addition, Garand has benefitted well from the mentoring of veteran Louis Domingue.
Injury Updates
The Wolf Pack have a few players out of the lineup from injury.
- Riley Nash: His status continues to be week to week. However, the veteran could return to the lineup soon as Howlings reported Nash was close to a possible return. Nash was held off the lineup since his injury on December 22nd.
- Adam Edstrom: His status to return is week to week. Edstrom’s last game was on December 27th. There is no timetable for his return.
- Zach Berzolla: His status remains week to week. However, Howlings reported that he is also closer to returning as well. His last game with Hartford was on November 25th.
- Ben Harpur: Status remains unchanged as he is out for the season.
One Timers
- Mac Hollowell recorded his 2nd goal of the season against Providence on Saturday. The defenseman has points in 6 straight games (1 goal, 5 assists).
- Brennan Othmann recorded 5 assists in the last 4 of 6 games.
- Brett Berard has 5 points (3 goals, 3 assists) in the last 4 of 6 games.
- Adam Sykora has 3 assists in the last 3 of 4 games.
Hart
Friday, January 19th vs Hershey Bears (Washington) at 7pm, XL Center
- This is the 2nd of 4 meetings in the season series. Hartford won the first matchup on January 6th by a score of 5-3. The third meeting will be held on March 17th in Hershey.
- Entering the week, Hershey is 29-7-0-2 for 60 points. That ranks the group 1st in the Atlantic Division, Eastern Conference, and league. The Bears are on a 3 game point streak (1-0-0-2) and are 7-1-0-2 in their last 10 outings.
- Veteran Mike Sgarbossa leads the Bears in points with 35. Through 36 games, the forward notched 7 goals and 28 assists. He is ranked 5th in the AHL for points. Capitals prospect Ethen Frank is second for points on the roster with 29. Through 38 games, Frank notched 15 goals and 14 assists.
- Listen – Mixlr. Watch – AHLTV.
Saturday, January 20th vs Bridgeport Islanders (New York) at 7pm, Total Mortgage Arena
- This is the 5th of 10 meetings in the season series. Hartford is 3-1 against Bridgeport thus far. The sixth meeting will be held in Hartford on February 9th.
- Entering the week, Bridgeport is 11-21-4 for 26 points. That ranks the group last in the Atlantic Division, Eastern Conference, and league. The Islanders are 2-3 in the last 5 outings and are 3-5-2 in the last 10 games.
- Islanders prospect Ruslan Iskhakov leads the club in points with 32. Through 36 games, Iskhakov recorded 13 goals and 19 assists. He is ranked 11th in the league for points. Veteran Otto Koivula is second for points on the team with 22. Through 27 games, the forward collected 8 goals and 14 assists.
- Listen – Mixlr. Watch – AHLTV.
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