As the Hartford Wolf Pack look to close 2023, two games remain on the docket before turning the calendar to 2024. They’re currently riding a season high 4-game losing streak (0-2-2) after a December that also featured a 6-game winning streak and an 8-game points streak.
The Wolf Pack are 15-6-5 for 35 points through 26 games. They remain in second in the Atlantic Division with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and Springfield Thunderbirds 2 points behind.
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Hartford Wolf Pack Weekly
Analyzing Hartford’s Slump
While we can say the Wolf Pack are in a slump, they are still finding ways to collect points and be competitive. As the season progresses, teams will have to face the highs and lows of a long campaign.
Sometimes games just don’t go your way. For instance in the last match before break, the Wolf Pack had chances early on that they didn’t bury, it led to an eventual 5-4 loss to the last place Bridgeport Islanders.
Another issue that’s been creeping into their game has been an inability to close things out. While Hartford was able to do so early on, the struggle has led to too many OT games and ending up on the wrong end of it.
Ryder Korczak Quietly Continues Good Rookie Season
The 21 year-old center is having a good rookie year with Hartford. Korczak, a center drafted by the Rangers in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft as the 75th overall (3rd round), is progressing in his development. His offensive abilities are becoming stronger as the season progresses, especially creating odd-man rushes with quick transitions and good vision.
While he hasn’t been on the scoresheet often until recent weeks, the forward is quietly building himself as a solid depth piece with the club. The rookie recorded 2 assists in their last outing and has points in the last 4 of 8 games. In that span, Korczak recorded 3 goals and 5 assists for 8 points. Through 24 games, he collected 11 points.
Riley Nash Continues Offensive Consistency
A veteran signing in the summer, Nash continues to provide offensive firepower and help guide Hartford’s prospects throughout the slump. Nash has points in three straight games (3 assists) and points in 12 of 14 games. In that span, the forward collected 6 goals and 10 assists for 16 points.
Nash provides a boost to offense as the Wolf Pack will not have Jonny Brodzinski for a while, or potentially rest of the season. The veteran has an offense knack to get pucks on net and be consistent with opportunities. Nash is able to find ways to get the offense going when needed.
At the end of the game against Bridgeport, Nash took a draw and was injured on the play. We will have to see how long he will be out for, or if he is able to return to action this week.
Hartford Wolf Pack Schedule
Wednesday, December 27th vs Springfield Thunderbirds (St. Louis) at 7:05pm, MassMutual Center
- This is the 5th of 10 meetings in the season series. Hartford is 3-1 against Springfield through 4 games. The 6th meeting will be held in Hartford on February 3rd.
- Entering the week, Springfield is 15-9-2-1 for 33 points. That ranks the group 4th in the Atlantic Division and 6th in the Eastern Conference. The Thunderbirds are 6-2-1-1 in their last 10 outings. Springfield also won their last 3 of 5 games.
- Forward Adam Gaudette leads the Thunderbirds in points with 27. Through 27 games, Gaudette recorded 16 goals and 11 assists. He is ranked 5th in the AHL for points. Veteran Nathan Walker is second for points with 26. Through 27 games, Walker has 11 goals and 15 assists.
- Listen – Mixlr. Watch – AHLTV.
Saturday, December 30th vs Bridgeport Islanders (New York) at 6pm, XL Center
- This is the 3rd of 10 meetings in the season series. Hartford is 1-1 against the Islanders. The 4th and 5th meetings will be held in Bridgeport, on January 4th and 20th.
- Entering the week, Bridgeport is 8-16-2 for 18 points. That ranks the group 8th (last) in the Atlantic Division, 15th in the Eastern Conference (last), and 32nd in the league (also last). The Islanders are 3-6-1 in the last 10 games. However, Bridgeport has 2 wins in their last 5 games, including a victory against Hartford last Friday.
- Islanders prospect Ruslan Iskhakov leads Bridgeport in points with 20. Through 26 games, the forward has 8 goals and 12 assists. Forward Kyle Maclean is 2nd in points with 15. Through 26 games, MacLean has 6 goals and 9 assists.
- Listen – Mixlr. Watch – AHLTV.
