Hartford Wolf Pack Weekly: Alex Belizle, Matthew Robertson reach milestones
The Hartford Wolf Pack extended their point streak to four games (3-0-1-0) last week with a 4-3 overtime loss to Scranton/Wilkes Barre on Wednesday. But the streak ended Saturday when the New York Rangers AHL affiliate lost 2-1 to Providence in regulation.
The seventh-place Wolf Pack (27-30-6-2, 62 points) are nine points behind sixth-place Lehigh Valley for the final playoff spot in the American Hockey League’s Atlantic Division. The Wolf Pack’s playoff hopes are on life support with seven games remaining.
Related: Rangers to sign undrafted free agent goalie from UCONN, heads to Hartford on ATO
Hartford Wolf Pack news-n-notes
Alex Belzile ties AHL career high in points
Alex Belzile recorded a goal in back-to-back games last week and is up to 54 points (18 goals, 36 assists) in 61 games this season. The 33-year-old forward leads Hartford in points, goals, assists, shots (172), and points per game (0.89). Furthermore, he tied his previous AHL career high in points, established in the 2018-19 season with Laval.
Signed by the Rangers in July 2023, Belzile’s two-year deal paid dividends for the Wolf Pack. He recorded 50 points (19 goals, 31 assists) last season and contributed three points (one goal, two assists) in the 2024 Calder Cup Playoffs before his strong play this season.
Career best reached by Matthew Robertson
Returning to Hartford in a “prove it” year, Matthew Robertson made strides in his fourth professional season. and has 24 points (one goal, 23 assists), a new career best, in 56 games. Furthermore, he has eight assists in his past 10 games. The 24-year-old defenseman picked up his 24th point Saturday when he assisted on Belzile’s goal. His previous AHL career high of 23 points (five goals, 18 assists) was established in the 2022-23 season.
Robertson leads the defense corps in assists, points, and shots (116). Despite setbacks from injuries earlier in his career, Robertson is building a compelling case to return next season. A restricted free agent this summer, the Rangers will have an important decision to make since the Hartford blue line is not very deep, and certainly lacks younger defensemen.
Injury Updates
Bo Groulx – Courtesy Hartford Wolf Pack
After missing two games due to injury, captain Casey Fitzgerald returned to the lineup Saturday. He recorded three shot on goals and was assessed a roughing penalty.
Unfortunately, Benoit-Oliver Groulx’s return was short-lived. The forward initially returned to the lineup Wednesday (his last game was Feb. 19), but Groulx left the game with an upper body injury. He is week to week and could be out for the season. This is a major blow for the Wolf Pack, since Groulx is their second leading scorer. Groulx has 37 points (15 goals, 22 assists) in 47 games.
Upcoming Games
All games can be watched on AHLTV and listened on Mixlr.
Saturday, April 5 vs Hershey Bears (Capitals) at 7pm, Giant Center
- This is the third of four meetings in the season series. Hartford won each of the first two games.
- Hershey is 39-18-6-1 for 85 points. They are first in the Atlantic Division and tied for second in the Eastern Conference (with Rochester). The Bears lost two straight and are 5-3-1-1 in their past 10 games.
- Ethan Bear leads the Bears with 44 points (10 goals, 34 assists). Next is Alex Limgoes with 40 points (15 goals, 25 assists).
Sunday, April 6 vs Hershey Bears (Capitals) at 5pm, Giant Center
- The fourth and final meeting in the series.
- Hartford is 9-17-5-1 on the road this season.
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