Hartford Wolf Pack Weekly: Why Brendan Brisson candidate for Rangers recall
Losers in four consecutive games (0-4-0-0), the wheels are falling off for the Hartford Wolf Pack. Last week featured three ugly results, with losses to Charlotte (7-1), Bridgeport (6-3), and Springfield (4-1). Their losing streak began on Jan. 24, when they lost 4-1 to Toronto.
Outscored 21-6 the past four games, the Wolf Pack must address their team defense and goaltending. They’ve allowed 150 goals (3.48 per game), fifth worst out of 32 teams in the American Hockey League. Scoring is also of concern since their average of 2.62 goals-for per game is sixth lowest in the league.
The eighth-place Wolf Pack (16-22-4-1, 37 points) are five points out of a playoff spot in the Atlantic Division. The New York Rangers AHL affiliate plays a home-and-home set this week against the first place Providence Bruins.
The Wolf Pack received a boost up front when Brett Berard was re-assigned to Hartford on Jan. 31. He was rolling in the AHL, producing nine points (four goals, five assists) in his past nine games before his one-game NHL recall.
Hartford Wolf Pack News-n-Notes
Brendan Brisson — photo courtesy Hartford Wolf Pack
Brendan Brisson could be in line for call-up by Rangers
Brendan Brisson, a Vegas Golden Knights first-round pick (No. 29 overall) in the 2020 NHL Draft, has 11 points (four goals, seven assists) in his past 13 games, and could be in line for an NHL promotion with the Rangers during their retool.
The 24-year-old forward recorded a point in eight of 14 games in January, including two multi-point performances on the 3rd (one goal, two assists) and 20th (two assists). Brisson is also becoming a reliable goal scorer. His 12 goals are second most on the Wolf Pack, and he leads them with six power-play goals.
Brisson scored 18 and 19 goals his first two pro seasons with Henderson of the AHL from 2022-24. He also has 24 games of NHL experience with the Golden Knights, though was scoreless in nine games last season when he made the team out of training camp. The Rangers acquired Brisson in the Reilly Smith trade ahead of the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline.
He’s just four points from tying his AHL total from 2024-25 (25 points), and is a dark-horse candidate for a call up this season.
Wolf Pack extend Daniel Walcott
Returning to the Rangers organization for a second stint, Daniel Walcott joined the Wolf Pack through a Professional Tryout (PTO) on Nov. 27. Walcott, an 11-year pro, played in 22 games and was three away from his PTO limit, when re-signed to another PTO on Feb. 1, extending his time with Hartford (up to another 25 games).
Known for his toughness, the 31-year-old forward brings an edge to the Wolf Pack lineup. He’s been involved in numerous scrums, and simply makes Hartford tougher to play against.
Walcott also provides scoring depth in a bottom-six role. He scored goals in back-to-back games twice, with the first set on Dec. 20 and 27, and more recently on Jan. 28 and 30. He has six points (four goals, two assists) and 25 penalty minutes in 22 games.
The seasoned forward could be instrumental in Hartford’s second half of the season. Given his style of play of frustrating opponents and providing leadership and offensive depth, Walcott is setting himself up nicely as a well-rounded option for coach Grant Potulny.
One Timers
- Cooper Moore recorded his first professional goal on Jan. 30 — his 20th game with Hartford after five with Bloomington of the ECHL.
- The Wolf Pack’s power play is 25th in the AHL, operating at 16.7 percent.
- The Wolf Pack’s penalty kill is improving, now 19th in the AHL with an 80.7 percent success rate.
Upcoming Games
All games can be viewed on AHLTV and heard on Mixlr.
Friday, February 6 vs Providence Bruins (Boston) at 7:05pm, Amica Mutual Pavillion
- This is the fifth of 10 meetings in the season series. Hartford is 1-2-1-0 against Providence.
- Providence is 32-8-1-0 (65 points), first in the Atlantic Division and Eastern Conference.
- Patrick Brown leads the Bruins with 40 points (14 goals, 27 assists), tied for seventh in the league. Next is Fabian Lysell with 34 points (14 goals, 20 assists).
Saturday, February 7 vs Providence Bruins (Boston) at 7:00pm, PeoplesBank Arena
- This is the sixth of 10 meetings in the season series. The next game between these rivals is on Feb. 22.
- Hartford is 7-12-3-0 at home.
