Young Rangers’ prospect Brennan Othmann is helping lead the charge for the Hartford Wolf Pack with 11 games remaining on the docket. The stakes were high for the Pack as they endured a season-high seven-game losing streak (0-5-1-1), but the winger was able to help end the slide in a 3-1 win over the Belleville Senators on Sunday.
“I feel good out there almost every night,” Othmann told Forever Blueshirts. “We have a great group here and we’re going to turn things around real quick.
Despite going two weeks without securing any points, Hartford remains well positioned to clinch a berth in the 2024 Calder Cup Playoffs. Entering the week, the Rangers AHL affiliate is ranked 5th in the Atlantic Division with a record of 30-22-7-2 for 69 points. The final playoff spot belongs to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in 6th, who have 62 points.
Related: Brandon Scanlin makes NHL debut
Brennan Othmann helps Wolf Pack snap skid
Brennan Othmann Continues Strong Rookie Campaign
In Hartford’s three games last week, 21-year-old rookie Brennan Othmann recorded four points (three goals, one assist) to give the offense life. Although Hartford lost to Rochester 6-5 on Wednesday, Othmann had a dominant game with two goals (power play and even strength). On Sunday, Othmann recorded the game’s first goal 1:47 into the first period, setting the tone and assisted on Hartford’s game-winning goal from Alex Belzile.
As a result of his big week, Othmann continues to climb among AHL rookies in scoring ranking 4th for points (44). He is also ranked 9th for goals (17) and 6th for assists (27).
Olof Lindbom Records First AHL Win
Stick taps to 23-year-old goaltender Olof Lindbom as he notched his first win in the AHL on Sunday. Lindbom played a stellar game in net as he stopped 37 of Belleville’s 38 shots. The prospect mainly played in the ECHL in the last 2 seasons (including this year). This is his 5th regular season game with Hartford through 2 seasons. The prospect’s career AHL record is now 1-3 with a 2.82 goals against average and a .903 save percentage.
Veteran Alex Belzile Leads Way
Forward Alex Belzile had a productive week for the club as he recorded four points (two goals, two assists) in three games. The 32-year-old right winger recorded two assists against Rochester and notched a two goal performance against Belleville to give Hartford a win.
He continues to lead the group while Hartford is without captain Jonny Brodzinski, who is a key member of the Rangers. Through 52 games, Belzile leads the group with 46 points (18 goals, 28 assists). He is also eight points away from tying his career-high of 54 points, set in the 2018-19 season.
One Timers
- Nic Petan recorded his 1st goal with Hartford in Saturday’s game against Toronto. The veteran was held without a goal since February 17th against Texas (while he was with Iowa). Petan also recorded 1 assist on Wednesday for a 2 point week.
- Defenseman Mac Hollowell continues a strong season with 3 assists in 2 games. This season is Hollowell’s career high of points (39) and is on pace for further production. His previous season high was 26 in 2021-22.
Injury Updates
- Defenseman Connor Mackey is close to returning as he traveled with the team on their road-trip. He is practicing with the club in a non-contact jersey.
- Tyler Pitlick was held out of the lineup in the previous game and is day to day.
- Ben Harpur remains out indefinitely.
- Louis Domingue remains out day to day and did not travel with the club. Domingue was last seen on ice for warmups on March 1st.
Playoff Primer
The annual AHL Playoff Primer is updated daily each morning. The Wolf Pack will have an opportunity to reduce their magic number on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.
Hartford Wolf Pack Schedule
Hartford will return home for a four-game home-stand before going on a two-game trip to visit Charlotte in the first week of April. Of the 11 games remaining, Hartford will ideally be home for seven while playing four away contests.
Wednesday, March 27th vs Charlotte Checkers (Florida) at 7pm, XL Center
- This is the 5th of 8 meetings in the season series. Hartford has not won against Charlotte thus far (0-2-2). Both clubs will meet again on April 6th and 7th, followed by April 13th.
- Entering the week, Charlotte is 33-23-6 for 72 points. That ranks the group 4th in the Atlantic Division and 6th in the Eastern Conference. The Checkers are 7-3 in their last 10 outings and have wins in 2 straight.
- Panthers prospect Mackie Samoskevich leads the Checkers in points with 42. Through 52 games, he recorded 18 goals and 24 assists. Defenseman Lucas Carlsson is 2nd in points with 39 (15 goals, 24 assists) in 52 games.
- Listen – Mixlr. Watch – AHLTV.
Friday, March 29th vs Springfield Thunderbirds (St. Louis) at 7pm, XL Center
- This is the 8th of 10 meetings in the season series. Hartford is 3-4 against Springfield thus far. The next meeting will be on April 12th.
- Entering the week, Springfield is 28-29-3-2 for 61 points. That ranks the group 7th in the Atlantic Division and 14th in the Eastern Conference. The Thunderbirds are 4-6 in their last 10 outings and have recent struggled similar to Hartford.
- This game is the most critical to win for the Wolf Pack. There are playoff implications against Springfield as the group has an opportunity to push Springfield further out of the playoff race. In addition, a regulation win would shave the magic number to 4 points.
- Adam Gaudette leads the Thunderbirds in points with 57 (37 goals, 20 assists) in 57 games. The forward is also ranked 2nd in the AHL for points and is tied for the most goals in the league. Matthew Peca is 2nd on the roster for points with 41. Through 48 games, the veteran recorded 12 goals and 29 assists.
- Listen – Mixlr. Watch – AHLTV.
Saturday, March 30th vs Hershey Bears (Washington) at 7pm, XL Center
- This is the 4th and final meeting in the season series. Hartford is 1-2 against Hershey.
- Entering the week, Hershey is 46-11-0-5 for 97 points. That ranks the group 1st in the league. The Bears are 6-2-0-2 in their last 10 outings and begin the week on a 6 game point streak (5-0-0-1).
- Forward Joe Snively leads the Bears in points with 48 (11 goals, 37 assists) in 59 games. Alex Limoges is 2nd in point with 45 (21 goals, 24 assists) in 52 games.
- Listen – Mixlr. Watch – AHLTV.
