Hartford Wolf Pack Weekly: Matthew Robertson stock rises, Adam Sýkora strong 2nd season
The Hartford Wolf Pack snapped a seven-game losing streak (0-5-2-0) when they responded after being shut out 3-0 by Charlotte on Friday. Brett Berard’s two point performance against Lehigh Valley on Saturday led to Hartford’s first win since Jan. 19.
The seventh-place Wolf Pack (19-22-4-1, 43 points) are six points behind fifth-place Thunderbirds for the final playoff spot in the American Hockey League’s Atlantic Division. Grant Potulny and the Wolf Pack will have to dig deep if they want to get back into the playoff picture.
Hartford Wolf Pack news-n-notes
Matthew Robertson continues strong season
Given another chance by the Rangers in a prove-it year, Mathew Robertson has turned into the Wolf Pack’s most reliable defenseman this season. Robertson leads the defense corps with 16 points (one goal, 15 assists). That’s significant because he’s on pace tying last season’s total (21), and potentially post a new career high. Furthermore, his offense benefits the Wolf Pack’s forwards and power play. Robertson can pass well and assist in establishing plays resulting in goals.
As important, the 23-year-old’s defensive game is consistent. Despite Hartford conceding 30 goals in their seven-game losing streak, Robertson was neutral in the plus/minus column. In fact, he was on the ice for two goals against, which is impressive considering Hartford’s defensive woes. He stays disciplined and his effort on a nightly basis is noticeable.
Considering the weak prospect pool on defense in the Rangers organization, especially after Victor Mancini was traded to the Vancouver Canucks, Robertson’s upswing could entice the Rangers to extend him, and he could possibly get an opportunity in the National Hockey League.
Erik Brännström’s weekend debut
Speaking of defenseman in the Rangers sytem, Erik Brännström played his first two games with Hartford this past weekend. The 25-year-old brings experience and skill to the defense corps after being acquired by the Rangers in the J.T. Miller trade with the Vancouver Canucks. Brännström should help the Wolf Pack power play, which is a mixed bag of results this season. Prior to the trade, he was essentially a point per game player when assigned by the Canucks to AHL Abbotsford for eight games (two goals, 10 assists).
Once he adjusts to the Wolf Pack, Brännström will be an important piece for the playoff push. In a two-game sample, he recorded four shots and was active when the Wolf Pack were attacking. Furthermore, he positions himself well in the defensive zone, and does a good job blocking passing lanes.
Adam Sykora’s consistent 2-way game
Adam Sykora is thriving in his second season in the professional ranks. The 20-year-old is noticeable at both ends of the ice. Sýkora is fourth on the Wolf Pack with 21 points (eight goals, 13 assists) in 45 games, on pace to exceed last season’s total (23). He’s fourth on Hartford with 84 shots and recorded at least one in 37 of 45 games.
Shifting to the defensive aspect, the prospect pressures opponents all over the ice and is a pest to play against. Syis smart, wins board battles and a 200-foot nuisance for the opposition. His effort defensively is noticeable, especially as a key cog on the Wolf Pack’s penalty kill.
Upcoming Games
All games can be watched on AHLTV and listened on Mixlr.
Wednesday, February 12 vs Bridgeport Islanders (New York) at 7pm, XL Center
- This is the sixth of 10 meetings in the season series. Hartford leads 3-2-0-0.
- Bridgeport is 11-31-2-2 for 26 points. They are seventh in the Atlantic Division and 15th in the Eastern Conference. The Islanders are 3-7-0-0 in their past 10 games.
- Chris Terry leads the Islanders with 42 points (14 goals, 28 assists) and is tied for third in the AHL. Next is Liam Foudy with 32 points (17 goals, 15 assists).
Saturday, February 15 vs Charlotte Checkers (Panthers) at Bojangles Coliseum, 4pm
- This is the sixth of eight meetings in the season series. Hartford leads 4-1-0-0.
- Charlotte is 25-14-3-2 for 55 points. They are tied for third (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). Next is Trevor Carrick with 34 points (seven goals, 27 assists).
Sunday, February 16 vs Charlotte Checkers (Panthers) at Bojangles Coliseum, 4pm
- The final meeting in Charlotte. The series concludes in Hartford on Apr. 16.
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