Hartford Wolf Pack Weekly: Alex Belzile stays hot despite 6-game losing streak

Credit: Hartford Wolf Pack

The Hartford Wolf Pack are reeling after three losses last week extended their losing streak to a season-long six games (0-4-2-0).

The New York Rangers AHL affiliate saw a two-goal lead vanish twice against Belleville on Wednesday, before they lost 6-5 in overtime. Then Hartford was swept by Laval, losing 3-1 and 5-4 in overtime, after blowing a three-goal lead.

The seventh-place Wolf Pack (18-21-4-1, 41 points) are six points out of a Calder Cup playoff spot. Ahead of Hartford is sixth-place Springfield (21-17-2-2, 46 points), who hold the final playoff spot in the Atlantic Division and own the tiebreaker with the Wolf Pack, who are 2-6-2-0 in their past 10 games and searching for answers.

Related: Adam Edstrom could be out 3.5 months for Rangers with lower-body injury

Hartford Wolf Pack news-n-notes

Alex Belzile — Photo courtesy Hartford Wolf Pack

Alex Belzile on way to career-best season

Alex Belzile continues to lead the way for the Wolf Pack, even when little else is going right around the veteran forward. Belzile has seven points (two goals, five assists) in his past four games and leads the Wolf Pack with 43 points (14 goals, 29 assists), second best in the AHL at All-Star break. The 33-year-old is seven points behind last season’s total (50) and is on pace to pass his career high (54), set in 2018-19 with Laval.

Belzile recorded two assists with Brennan Othmann (who has goals in five of six). He also assisted on the game’s first goal against Belleville and recorded assists on back-to-back goals Saturday against Laval to help build a 3-0 lead. He also set up Lucas Edmond’s first goal with Hartford, part of a two-goal game.

An unrestricted free agent this summer, Belzile is a premium veteran in the AHL. The Rangers coulddo well to bring him back as depth forward at the NHL level and a steady hand in the AHL.

Anton Blidh leads by example

Anton Blidh — Photo courtesy of Hartford Wolf Pack

Anton Blidh has eight points (four goals, four assists) in his past 10 games. That’s significant as the gritty forward is impactful at both ends of the ice. In addition to providing physical play in the defense zone, Blidh has discovered an offensive touch. His 13 goals is third most on the Wolf Pack and ties a career high. The 29-year-old surpassed last season’s point total (17) and is on pace to match his career high, set in 2017-18 (26) with Providence. Blidh’s 20 points (13 goals, seven assists) is fourth most on Hartford

In addition to his offense, Blidh is resourceful in Hartford’s own end. He is not afraid to block shots, be in the passing lanes, and forecheck. He is willing to do it all to prevent goals against. The veteran brings great effort each shift, leading by example for the Rangers of tomorrow to never give up regardless of the situation and score.

Similar to Belzie, Blidh is an unrestricted free agent this summer. So, the Rangers have a decision to make on this veteran, as well.

60 minutes, please

The Wolf Pack had missed opportunities last week as they could have snapped their losing streak in two of the three games. They had leads in two games and failed to defend adequately. As a result, they were outscored 14-10. They gave up six power-play goals resulting from lack of discipline. The penalty kill was 2-for-5 against Belleville, 3-for-4 against Laval Friday (game-winning goal was scored on the power play), and 2-for-4 Saturday, allowing the Rocket to comeback. Struggling down a man remains a problem, which Hartford coach Grant Potulny must address sooner rather than later.

Another deficiency is shots against, allowing momentum to shift away from Hartford game-in, game-out. The Wolf Pack were outshot 96-86 in the three games. Diving in, the Wolf Pack conceded two goals in the second against Belleville (Senators had a 15-9 edge). Then, Hartford conceded three goals in the second Saturday against Laval (Rocket had a 13-3 edge). Putting 60-minute efforts together is a challenge for this team.

Upcoming Games

All games can be watched on AHLTV and listened on Mixlr.

Friday, February 7 vs Charlotte Checkers (Panthers) at 7pm, XL Center

  • This is the fifth of eight meetings in the season series. Hartford has won each of the first four matchups.
  • Charlotte is 24-13-3-2 for 53 points. They are tied for second (with Providence) in the Atlantic Division and tied for sixth in the Eastern Conference. The Checkers are 5-4-1-0 in their past 10 games.
  • John Leonard leads the Checkers with 36 points (19 goals, 17 assists) and is tied for 16th in the AHL in scoring. Next is Trevor Carrick with 34 points (seven goals, 27 assists).

Saturday, February 8 vs Lehigh Valley Phantoms (Flyers) at 7:05pm, PPL Center

  • This is the sixth and final meeting this season. Hartford is 2-1-1-1.
  • Lehigh Valley is 21-17-5-1 for 48 points. They are fifth in the Atlantic Division and ninth in the Eastern Conference. The Phantoms are 5-4-1-0 in their past 10 games.
  • Samu Tuomaala leads the Phantoms with 29 points (10 goals, 19 assists). Next is Olle Lycksell with 27 (12 goals, 15 assists). Jacob Gaucher also has 27 points (14 goals, 13 assists), but is up with the Flyers in the NHL.
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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