Hartford Wolf Pack Weekly: Chad Ruhwedel heats up; Brendan Brisson, Nicolas Aube-Kubel added at deadline
The Hartford Wolf Pack secured two wins in three games this past week, defeating the Bridgeport Islanders 6-3 on Wednesday and Belleville Senators 4-1 on Sunday. The New York Rangers AHL affiliate also lost 7-1 to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on Friday.
The seventh-place Wolf Pack (24-27-5-2, 55 points) are 10 points behind sixth-place Lehigh Valley Phantoms for the final playoff spot in the American Hockey League’s Atlantic Division. Despite securing points in five of seven games, the Wolf Pack’s road to the playoffs remains difficult with 14 games remaining in the regular season.
Related: Rangers week ahead in includes big road trip, rematch against Blue Jackets
Hartford Wolf Pack news-n-notes
Chad Ruhwedel – Photo courtesy Hartford Wolf Pack
Chad Ruhwedel on 5-game point streak
Chad Ruhwedel has seven points (two goals, five assists) in his past five games, including two primary assists on Sunday. He also recorded a goal and assist on Feb. 22 to jumpstart Hartford’s recent surge.
The 34-year-old is a smart veteran defenseman, who takes calculated risks in the offensive zone, often recording shots with opportunities for a deflection or tip. He also goes deep in the offensive zone when Hartford pressures opponents and helps the transition game with crisp passes that typically have low risk for turnovers. Ruhwedel has 14 points (three goals, 11 assists), third most among Hartford defenseman.
Ruhwedel is sound in his own end. The veteran of 369 NHL games leads the defense corps with a plus-9 rating and been even or positive in 30 of 37 games played this season. He is well positioned, blocks shots, and can clear the crease when needed, even though he’s not the biggest defender (5-foot-11, 189 pounds). In addition, Ruhwedel is disciplined, called for eight minor penalties this season (along with a 10-minute misconduct).
With all the turnover on defense this season, Hartford is fortunate to have Ruhwedel’s steady hand on the blue line.
Jake Leschyshyn bounces back
Jake Leschyshyn had his best game of the season, 24 hours after perhaps his worst this weekend. The center, who turned 26 Monday, had two goals and an assist Sunday after he was pointless and minus-5 on Saturday.
That big game against Belleville gives him six points (three goals, three assists) in his past six games. . His willingness to get in front of the net, paid off Sunday with a pair of goals on deflections, giving him 11 goals on the season, tied for fifth on the Wolf Pack. Leschyshyn has 22 points (11 goal, 11 assists) this season.
Two forwards join Wolf Pack ahead of NHL trade deadline
Nicolas Aube-Kubel – Photo courtesy Hartford Wolf Pack
The Wolf Pack debuted two trade-deadline acquisitions by the Rangers over the weekend. Each has NHL experience and upgraded Hartford’s contingent of forwards. Each debuted for Hartford Sunday and was held without a point.
Brendan Brisson
A low risk, high reward acquisition, Brendan Brisson was acquired along with a third-round pick in this year’s draft from the Vegas Golden Knights for forward Reilly Smith. The 23-year-old is a playmaker with a strong resume in the AHL and, before that, collegiately. He posted 38 points (19 goals, 19 assists) last season with Henderson and 37 in 2022-23. Despite struggling this season (14 points in 47 games), Brisson was a first-round pick (No. 29 overall) in the 2020 NHL Draft by the Golden Knights and scored 21 goals in 38 games at the University of Michigan in 2021-22. In 24 NHL games with Vegas, Brisson has eight points (two goals, six assists).
Nicolas Aubé-Kubel
A Stanley Cup winner with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022, Nicolas Aubé-Kubel was acquired from the Buffalo Sabres for Hartford defenseman Erik Brannstrom. The 28-year-old forward has played 301 NHL games, including 19 this season with the Sabres. Aubé-Kubel played for Rangers coach Peter Laviolette with the Washington Capitals in 2022-23 and is another option for an NHL recall if the Rangers need forward help.
Upcoming Games
All games can be watched on AHLTV and listened on Mixlr.
Wednesday, March 12 vs Grand Rapids Griffins (Red Wings) at 7pm, Van Andel Arena
- This is the final meeting in the season series. Hartford won the first matchup 3-2 in overtime on Oct. 30.
- Grand Rapids is 29-22-4-2 for 64 points. They are third in the Central Division and eighth in the Western Conference. The Griffins are 3-5-1-1 in their past 10 games.
- Joe Snively leads the Griffins with 37 points (20 goals, 17 assists). Next is Austin Watson with 33 points (13 goals, 20 assists).
Friday, March 14 vs Rockford IceHogs (Blackhawks) at 8pm, BMO Center
- This is the final meeting in this season. Hartford won the first game 4-0 on Dec. 6.
- Rockford is 24-25-5-1 for 54 points. They are fifth in the Central Division and 13th in the Western Conference. The IceHogs have won three straight and are 7-3-0-0 in their past 10 games.
- Cole Guttman leads the IceHogs with 48 points (21 goals, 27 assists) and is 12th in the AHL. Next is Brett Seney with 35 points (nine goals, 26 assists).
Saturday, March 15 vs Milwaukee Admirals (Predators) at 7pm, UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena
- This is the first of two meetings in the season series.
- Milwaukee is 30-18-4-5 for 69 points. They are first in the Central Division and third in the Western Conference. The Admirals are on a five game point streak (3-0-1-1).
- Cal O’Reilly leads the Admirals with 39 points (nine goals, 30 assists). Next is Ozzy Wiesblatt with 33 points (14 goals, 19 assists).
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