Hartford Wolf Pack weekly: Dylan Roobroeck, power play heat up
The Hartford Wolf Pack snapped their four-game losing streak (0-0-3-1) and won two of their three games last week. Though they lost defenseman Victor Mancini, who recalled by the New York Rangers, the Wolf Pack showed overall improvement, especially on the power play.
Hartford’s 6-1 win (its first decisive victory of the season) against the Bridgeport Islanders last week was led by Alex Belzile, who recorded his second hat trick of the season. Dylan Garand recorded his first shutout of the season in that 4-0 win.
The Wolf Pack were unable to sweep the week because they dropped a 6-2 decision to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, undone by an undisciplined game. The Rangers’ AHL affiliate continues to have an up-and-down ride for the season. Although the Wolf Pack improved their struggling power play, the defense is a work in progress. Allowing one goal in two of three games is a step in the right direction. However, consistency eludes the Wolf Pack.
They are 10-9-2-1 (.523) for 23 points in the Atlantic Division, tied for sixth with Lehigh Valley for the last playoff spot in the division. Two points separate sixth and seventh place as the division continues to be tight.
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Hartford Wolf Pack news
Dylan Roobroeck – photo courtesy of Hartford Wolf Pack
Dylan Roobroeck finding consistency
Recording three points (one goal, two assists) in two games last week, Rangers prospect Dylan Roobroeck was back on the score sheet after going without a point in four consecutive games. The towering forward recorded a team-high six shots against Rockford and recorded two or more in four games. Roobroeck is tied for sixth on the Wolf Pack with 34 in shots in 22 games.
Focusing on his defensive play, Roobroeck plays a simple game and does a good job blocking passing lanes with his long reach. One noted adjustment is his positioning and discipline. In Hartford’s first 10 games, he was called for a penalty in four games. He was out of position in moments when the opposing team pressured, causing him to make mistakes. His past 10 games featured one penalty against, and Roobroeck has kept himself in better positioning. He is beginning to look comfortable as well, becoming more aggressive when Hartford pressures. As a result, he recorded his first game-winning goal of the season last week, as well as, his second two-point game of the season.
Power play improves
A struggle this season, the Wolf Pack’s power play found a spark recently. After going 1-for-7 two weeks ago, Hartford had four PPGs last week. The Wolf Pack were 3-for-4 against Bridgeport, scoring multiple power-play goals in a game for the first time since Oct. 19. They also had a power-play goal against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
Hartford’s power play improved to 27th in the AHL, operating at 14.0 percent (12-for-86). Though they still lack consistency (0-for-3 against Rockford, 1-for-7 against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton), the Wolf Pack are finally beginning to break through on the man advantage after nearly a two-month drought following Brennan Othmann’s upper-body injury. They now have power-play goals in four of 10 games (6-for-28).
Wolf Pack’s lack of discipline
The Wolf Pack continue to play with a lack of discipline. They had 16 calls against them in three games last week, resulting in lost offensive zone time and continued penalty-kill woes. Hartford’s loss to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton was a missed opportunity. Hartford was just 3-for-6 on the PK, giving up two power-play goals in the first period, and the Penguins never relinquished that lead. The Wolf Pack have allowed at least one goal on the penalty kill in three of five games (6-for-21).
Their penalty kill sits 29th in the league, operating at 75.9 percent (66-for-87). If Hartford can reduce the number of opposition power plays, there will be less dependency on the struggling penalty-kill units. They are improving, but the number of times the unit is needed takes away from the Wolf Pack’s overall game.
Upcoming Games
All games can be watched on AHLTV and listened on Mixlr.
Wednesday, December 11th vs Hershey Bears (Capitals) at 7 p.m., XL Center
- This is the first of four meetings in the season series. Hartford was 1-2-0-1 last season against Hershey, and the Wolf Pack was eliminated in the Calder Cup Playoffs by the Bears.
- Entering the week, Hershey is 17-5-3-0 for 37 points. They are first in the league. The Bears are 7-1-2-0 in their past 10 game and have won three straight.
- Ethan Frank leads the Bears with 25 points (18 goals, seven assists) and is tied for third in the league. Mike Sgarboss has 21 points (two goals, 19 assists), 13th in the league.
Saturday, December 14th vs Laval Rocket (Montreal) at 6 p.m., XL Center
- This is the first of two meetings this season.The teams split four games last season (2-2-0-0).
- Entering the week, Laval is 15-6-1-1 for 32 points, first in the North Division, second in the Eastern Conference and third in the league. The Rocket are on a three-game point streak (2-0-0-1) and 4-4-1-1 in their past 10 games.
- Rookie Owen Beck leads the Rocket with 20 points (seven goals, 13 assists) and is tied for 19th in the league in scoring. Joshua Roy (10 goals, nine assists) and Alex Barre-Boulet (six goals, 13 assists) have 19 points apiece, tied for second on the Rocket.
Sunday, December 8th vs Providence Bruins (Boston) at 3 p.m., Amica Mutual Pavilion
- This is the third of 10 meetings in the season series. Hartford is 1-1-0-0 against the Bruins through two games.
- Entering the week, Providence is 11-10-2-0 for 24 points. They are fifth in the Atlantic Division. The Bruins won three straight and are 5-4-1-0 in their past 10 games.
- Former Rangers forward Vinni Lettieri leads the Bruins in scoring with 21 points (10 goals, 11 assists), tied for 13th in the league. Georgii Merkulov is second with 18 points (five goals, 13 assists).
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