Rangers prospect goalie Dylan Garand has taken the reins over from veteran Louis Domingue, who remains day to day with an undisclosed injury. A lot of the Hartford Wolf Pack’s stretch run has fallen on the 21-year-old netminder’s shoulders of late, and he will need more offensive support if the team hopes to pull off another nice run in the Calder Cup Playoffs.
Starting on Wednesday, the Wolf Pack will have to regroup from last week as their losing streak reached five games (0-3-1-1). Furthermore, they’ve been shut out in each of their past two games. Despite the recent skid, Hartford built themselves enough of a cushion for a playoff spot in the Atlantic Division. Heading into action this week, 14 games remain on the docket, and it’s time for the Pack to get on track.
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Hartford Wolf Pack Weekly: Dylan Garand
Dylan Garand Gains Experience as Starting Goalie
Since Domingue’s injury, Garand has started in six straight contests and played in the last seven of eight outings. The second-year pro continues to craft his game andt has looked impressive in between the pipes. Statistically, Garand’s stellar play is showing in his numbers as he’s kept the Wolf Pack in games and helped the group collect points. His record stands at 16-10-5 with a 2.73 goals against average and a .909 save percentage with two shutouts.
While it is unfortunate to see Domingue be held out of the lineup, this could be ideal for Garand as the Calder Cup Playoffs approach. Recalling last year, Hartford began their playoff run with Garand as the primary starter when Domingue was called up to the Rangers’ for their playoffs. I expect this to happen once again, so letting Garand play as much as possible down the stretch should be of great benefit to the Pack.
Domingue signed a one-year contract extension earlier this month.
Offensive struggles continue
After registering seven goals to against Providence on March 8th, the Wolf Pack’s have cooled off in critical games last week. In their last five games, Hartford recorded just five goals.
For the first time this season, Hartford lacks confidence in their offensive game. Players seem to be looking for the perfect pass or trying to hit a corner rather than getting pucks on net. However, Brett Berard continues to try and carry the club offensively, but one player isn’t enough. As a whole, the forward group will have to raise their game.
Wolf Pack News and Notes
Possible Return for Ben Harpur?
After suffering an injury on November 3rd, expectation were for Ben Harpur to be shelved for the remainder of the 2023-24 season. Recent developments have indicated the 29-year-old veteran defenseman could return late in the season.
Reported by Alex Thomas on March 14th, the he’s currently rehabbing from his injury and is considered out indefinitely. The Pack have about a month left of regular season action, so there’s a chance Harpur could join the team if they can advance team in the playoffs
Regarding additional updates for injuries, Hartford is still missing defenseman Connor Mackey and is considered week to week as there are no further updates. New York recently called up defenseman Brandon Scanlin due to injuries to Jacob Trouba and Ryan Lindgren on their blue line.
Riley Nash Returns to Lineup
Veteran Riley Nash has returned to the lineup last Wednesday after suffering two setbacks from injury since December 22nd. Being out of the lineup for two months is tough for players and once Nash is able to find his game fully, he will become a reliable productive forward. Nash must remain healthy for the rest of the season as they’ll need him come crunch time.
One Timers
- Brennan Othmann is building up his assist numbers despite the Wolf Pack’s slump with four helpers in his last six games.
- Karl Henriksson recorded 1 goal and 1 assist in the last 4 games.
- Goaltender Hugo Ollas was assigned to Hartford on Friday as the rookie signed a two-year entry level contract with the Rangers and an amateur tryout with the Pack.
Playoff Primer
Entering the week, Hartford’s magic number to clinch a playoff spot is 19.
Hartford Wolf Pack Schedule
At the conclusion of Hartford’s four game road trip, Hartford will be home for four straight games.
Wednesday, March 20th vs Rochester Americans (Buffalo) at 7:05pm, Blue Cross Arena
- This is the 2nd and final meeting in the season series. Hartford dropped the first meeting in overtime by a score of 3-2 on December 15th.
- Entering the week, Rochester is 29-22-6-2 for 66 points. That ranks the group 3rd in the North Division and 8th in the Eastern Conference. The Americans are 5-4-1 in their last 10 outings.
- Veteran Mason Jobst leads the Americans in points with 42 (18 goals, 24 assists) in 51 games. Isak Rosen is 2nd on the active roster for points with 35 (15 goals, 21 assists) in 55 games.
- Listen – Mixlr. Watch – AHLTV.
Saturday, March 23rd vs Toronto Marlies (Maple Leafs) at 4pm, Coca Cola Coliseum
- This is the 2nd and final meeting in the season series. Hartford dropped the first meeting in overtime by a score of 4-3 on December 17th.
- Entering the week, Toronto is 27-20-9-2 for 65 points. That ranks the group 5th in the North Division and 10th in the Eastern Conference. The Marlies are 5-4-1 in their last 10 outings and begin the week on a two game winning streak.
- Joseph Blandisi leads the Marlies in points with 52 (23 goals, 29 assists) in 57 games. He is ranked 10th in the AHL for production. Logan Shaw is 2nd on the roster for points with 48 (24 goals, 24 assists) in 55 games. Shaw is ranked 15th in the league for points.
- Listen – Mixlr. Watch – AHLTV.
Sunday, March 24th vs Belleville Senators (Ottawa) at 2pm, CAA Arena
- This is the 2nd and final meeting in the season series. Hartford recorded a 4-3 overtime win against the Senators on November 25th.
- Entering the week, Belleville is 30-24-2-3 for 65 points. That ranks the group 4th in the North Division and 9th in the Eastern Conference. The Senators are 6-4 in their last 10 outings.
- Senators prospect Angus Crookshank leads the Senators in points with 46 (24 goals, 22 assists) in 50 games. Veteran Garrett Pilon is 2nd on the roster in points with 42 (16 goals, 26 assists) in 51 games.
- Listen – Mixlr. Watch – AHLTV.
