Wolf Pack Weekly: Hartford Concludes Final Week of Season

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We are approaching the off-season which flew by fast. Let’s get to business for one final time this week, then we will approach other various topics regarding the Wolf Pack and the upcoming potential changes for the group. Another off-season should be filled with changes, from New York to Maine.

Where Can Hartford End Up Standing Wise

Currently the group enters the week with a record of 29-34-7-3 for 68 points and a .466 point percentage. Unfortunately, the group cannot finish above .500, which they have failed to do so in the last two of three seasons. The team will finish 8th in the Atlantic Division as Springfield is ahead for 7th by eight points.

Expanding the standings, Hartford is 15th and is two points behind 14th place Laval. In theory, Hartford could finish better in the conference than division as the North division is weaker.

League wise, Hartford is 27th. Again, Hartford could finish better as a few teams in the North Division are ahead of them by a few points (Laval, Utica).

Last Weekend’s Action

Hartford snapped their six game losing streak on Sunday against the struggling Binghamton Senators. This is the highest scoring game Hartford had with six goals.

Last Saturday was another shutout for the group as Utica won 4-0. Ironically, former goaltender Marek Mazanec pitched the shutout, stopping all 21 shots.

Last Wednesday was another disappointing game in Springfield as Hartford lost 5-2. The Thunderbirds early on gave Hartford issues and never backed down. Hartford finishes the season series with Springfield going 4-6. In Springfield, Hartford is 1-4.

Goals goals goals!

Why not end the regular season with a few videos on goals scored last weekend in Hartford.

Check out Lewis Zerter-Gossage’s first pro on Sunday against Binghamton:

Steven Fogarty registered two goals on last Sunday. Here is the first goal:

Gabriel Fontaine had a beauty short-handed tally with a wrist shot on the two on one with Tim Gettinger.

Transactions

Hartford had a few transactions entering the final week of the season.

  • Terrence Wallin released from his PTO, assigned to Maine.
  • Lewis Zerter-Gossage joins Hartford through an ATO.
  • Ty Ronning was sent down to Maine.
  • Ryan lindgren was called up, then returned.
  • Jake Elmer signed with Hartford through an ATO.
  • Vinni Lettieri and John Gilmour returned on Sunday and played as well.
  • Matt Register was released from his PTO.

ECHL Maine Update

The Maine Mariners did not qualify for the playoffs in their first year of existence. The club has missed by two points. They hit a losing skid right before the season closed. Too little too late.

Maine finished the season with 77 points. They had a record of 37-32-2-1, 6th in the North Division. The ECHL’s season was completed last Sunday. Players from Maine was not called up, including Ty Ronning.

Upcoming Games

The final three games are here! One game is home while the last two are on the road.

Friday, April 12th vs Hershey Bears (Washington) at 7:15pm, XL Center

  • This is the fifth meeting between the groups. Hartford is 0-3-0-1 against the Bears. Hartford’s only point was on November 4th when the Bears won in a shootout, 2-1.
  • Hershey is 3rd in the Atlantic Division and has secured a playoff spot. Hershey is 40-25-4-4 for 88 points. The group enters the week on a 0-1-1 skid, and are 6-3-1 in the last ten games.
  • Hershey on the road is 17-15-2-3.
  • This is the final game at home for the Wolf Pack. Hartford is 17-14-5-1 at home thus far.

Saturday, April 13th vs Lehigh Valley Phantoms (Philadelphia) at 7:05pm, PPL Center

  • This is the final meeting of the season against the Phantoms. Hartford is 3-2 in the season series, compared to last year where the group went 6-0 against the Flyers affiliate.
  • The Phantoms are in 5th in the Atlantic Division with a record of 37-30-4-3 for 81 points. They are just about eliminated from playoff contention.
  • The Phantoms enter the week winning three straight. The group is 6-3-1 in their last ten outings.
  • The Phantoms at home are 20-15-1-1. Hartford on the road is 12-20-2-2 thus far.

Sunday, April 14th vs Hershey Bears (Washington) at 5pm, Giant Center

  • The final game of the season and final meeting against Hershey.
  • After Hartford returns home, the coaching staff will do exit interviews early next week. Then off we go to the off-season.
By Ricky Milliner

Ricky Milliner is a Hartford Wolf Pack season ticket holder. While growing up, he discovered hockey by attending a... More about Ricky Milliner

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