The Hartford Wolf Pack are howling at the top of the AHL’s Eastern Conference mountain, thanks to the play of center, Oscar Lindberg.

With two wins in three games this week, the Hartford Wolf Pack are now atop the AHL’s Eastern Conference. The Wolf Pack first defeated the Albany Devils on Wednesday, then proceeded to split a weekend back-to-back in Hershey, with the Bears. Hartford has improved its record to 8-3-1, with 17 points.

Oscar Lindberg had a big weekend for the Wolf Pack, as he recorded four goals over three games. The 23-year-old Swede now leads Hartford in scoring, with 11 points (8-3-11).

The Wolf Pack’s 17 points is tied for the best in the east with both the WB-Scranton Penguins and the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. However, Hartford has two games in hand over the Penguins, and one less shootout loss than the Sound Tigers, thus giving them the tie-breaker.*

READ: Jake Gittler’s full AHL recap on FTHN here.

Wolf Pack Weekly is out! The Pack prepare for a home-and-home series with @TheSoundTigers. https://t.co/TXtoI5Rw14 pic.twitter.com/3iFVa8R0es

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@WolfPackAHL) November 10, 2014

Hartford will also get some help while giving some away. Conor Allen will return to the blue-line after being sent down by the big club. Meanwhile Jesper Fast is on his way back up, while veteran winger Ryan Malone is on his way down.  

#NYR Transactions: Jesper Fast has been recalled from @WolfPackAHL; Ryan Malone & Conor Allen have been reassigned to Hartford — New York Rangers (@NYRangers) November 10, 2014

As we noted here, Derek Stepan has yet to participate in a full practice leaving AV to call his chances of playing tonight “slim”. Mats Zuccarello may give it a go, which would park Ryan Malone in the press box. It’s all hands on deck again for the Black and Bruisedshirts!

Game 12: Detroit Red Wings at New York Rangers, Madison Square Garden 8PM (NBCSN RIVALRY NIGHT)

Daily Faceoff’s Goalie Matchup

– Note click the Daily Faceoff link throughout the day for confirmed starters

News & Notes

Today’s #NYR morning skate @TheGarden will be streamed live on https://t.co/K9loI1q9of at 10:30.

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) November 5, 2014

Vigneault coaches his 900th game tomorrow, which will be seventh among active coaches.

— Rangers Report (@rangersreport) November 5, 2014

Not Klein RT @surlysailor: @stevezipay Any chance Klein in tomorrow or most likely Allen & McIlrath will both be in? — Steve Zipay (@stevezipay) November 5, 2014

Mats Zuccarello said he feels better and will test himself at morning skate to see if he can give “100 percent.” — Andrew Gross (@AGrossRecord) November 4, 2014

UPDATE:

Kevin Klein on ice, seems recovered from bruised foot — Steve Zipay (@stevezipay) November 5, 2014

RANGERS TO WATCH

1. Dan Girardi – Are we staring at a 3rd consecutive game of 30 plus minutes for the default #1 defenseman? Big G will have his hands full tonight with some of the Wings’ high flying forwards in Datsyuk and Nyquist.

2. Conor Allen / Dylan McIlrath – They are on here again. While they were serviceable in their combined 21 minutes, tonight’s Red Wings team is not better than the Blues but certainly a bit faster. If McIlrath is on the ice against Datsyuk at any point and time, it could be a disaster. – If Klein can go, McIlrath will sit.

3. Chris Kreider – He was a beast against St. Louis using his size and speed to create offense. He fired 5 shots and got one goal (on the pp). Kreider is on the verge of realizing his NHL potential, a similar effort is required tonight.

EYE ON THE ENEMY

1. Gustav Nyquist – If you also read our NHL site www.FullTiltHockeyNetwork.com – you know I have a bonafide man crush on this guy. Nyquist is hockey’s unknown star, but his name is quickly growing recognition. He currently has 7 goals and 9 points for the Wings this season.

2. Pavel Datsyuk – Yup, the Captain Obvious choice. As I said before, the “Magic Man” will expose the Rangers neophyte defense if they’re not careful.

3. Jonas Gustavsson – Before you go celebrating the fact that the Rangers aren’t facing Jimmy Howard tonight, realize he’s coming into the game with a 1.45 GAA and .935 save percentage.

FULLTILT FORECAST

With the Blueshirt loss in a shootout the Forecast record is now 7-4.

Are the Rangers lucky that they are catching the Wings on the second game of a back to back? It’s possible, although the Wings lost to the Senators 3-1. Detroit will be coming in like a disturbed bee hive and try to sting the Rangers early.

The difference for the Rangers tonight will be The King back in between the pipes. Still, it’s going to take some good coaching and smart changes on the fly to keep McIlrath away from the likes of Datsyuk, Zetterberg and Nyquist. Thankfully, AV has last change to improve his chances of sheltering his young D.

If Kevin Klein can go tonight, it will help the Rangers chances immensely.

Rangers win this in regulation tonight 3-2.

The Blueshirts were down 4 of their top 6 blue liners, their number 1 center and last year’s leading scorer. To add a cherry on top of that, their backup was in net to give their starter a much needed rest.

St. Louis Blues 4 vs. New York Rangers 3 (Shootout)

Let’s wrap our heads around this shootout loss for a moment, with McDonagh (shoulder), Klein (foot), Moore (suspension), and Boyle (hand) all out the Rangers would have to play their 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th defenseman on the depth charts.

Now wrap your head around this, both Dan Girardi (580) and Marc Staal (471) have played more career NHL games than Hunwick (301), Kostka (66), Allen (4) and McIlrath (3) combined.

“They played well,” Marc Staal said after the game, “I thought Allen and McIlrath both played confident.” Marc Staal had a strong night finishing +2, while the kids were adequate and both had an even rating. Conor Allen, who is considered an NHL ready defenseman by most played 13:03 and the slow footed, Dylan McIlrath played just 8:02.

The Rangers power play would get the on the board in the 1st period, on a tally by Chris Kreider who was a beast all night, firing 5 shots on Elliot. NY would outshoot the blues 15-4 in the opening stanza only to see that flipped in the second period 17-8.

St. Louis was on the power play when NHL player of the week, Vladimir Tarasenko scored a “Forsbergian” goal (goal made famous by Peter Forsberg in the Olympics). Oddly, it was Kostka and McIlrath killing the penalty when Tarasenko put his rocket boosters on and burned a flat-footed McIlrath just inside the blue-line. Tarasenko then but on the moves and with one hand backhanded the puck past Talbot as he went the other way.

The Blues kept the momentum in the third and took a lead off a pin-ball goal. Then the Rangers checked their guts and turned it on. Carl Hagelin’s relentless puck pursuit and pretty pass led to Marty St. Louis tying the game at 2. Followed by another great pass by Nash that elevated past Blues defenders and tipped home by Marty for the 3-2 lead.

Unfortunately, Cam Talbot was beaten on a shot high blocker side, that he would like back. “We need to win close games and that starts with me,” Talbot said afterwards. The game ended when Vladimir Tarasenko nailed it down in the shootout for St. Louis.

Looking Ahead

Derek Stepan was in a contact jersey for practice and is expected to make his long awaited season debut on Wednesday against the Detroit Red Wings. The game may also see the returns of Mats Zuccarello and Kevin Klein (but I may just be overly optimistic). The game will start at 8PM as part of NBC’s Rivalry Night.

RAGING RANGERS

1. Marty St. Louis – After going 3 straight games with out a point, MSL scored his 2nd and 3rd goals of the season giving the Rangers the offense they desperately needed last night.

2. Kevin Hayes – Yes, scratch your heads. In 14 minutes of action last night, he fired 6 shots on goal and looked impossible to take off the puck. He was only 33% in the face-off circle, which screams he needs to be on the wing. However, outside of those draws, he’s doing a solid job and is more noticeable then Dominic Moore this year at center.

3. Marc Staal – Without his regular defense partner since the third period of game 1 this year, he has been very strong. Last night brought his 3rd straight 25 plus minute plus performance, he’s +4 in those 3 games.

REELING RANGERS

1. Cam Talbot – By far a greater performance than in Columbus, but the 3rd goal had to be stopped. As I said in the pre-season, his reaction time has been a hair slower than last season. He’s so important to the Rangers that he needs to be better.

2. Dan Girardi – I actually feel he is playing well, my concern is his health. Last night he played 32:58 and against the Jets 34:50. Either another defenseman comes back soon or Girardi is going to be spent before Thanksgiving.

3. Tanner Glass – He was a -2 last night (both not his fault). On the Blues 2nd goal, Mueller deflected a pass that was wide that hit a Blue in front for a goal and on the third tally, Talbot should’ve stopped it. Bottom line, he a -7 on the year with no points. He needs to better.

HIGHLIGHTS & INTERVIEWS

No Stepan, No Boyle, No McDonagh, no Klein, No Moore, Maybe No Zucc – maybe No Problem? Let’s not kid ourselves, the Rangers are in trouble tonight.

Game 11: St. Louis Blues at New York Rangers, Madison Square Garden 7PM

Daily Faceoff’s Goalie Matchup

– Note click the Daily Faceoff link throughout the day for confirmed starters

NOTES FROM PRACTICE

#NYR Injury Update: @zuccarello36 did not take part in morning skate and is a game-time decision according to AV

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) November 3, 2014

Ryan Malone has cleared waivers. He could be in the lineup tonight if Mats Zuccarello (leg) cannot play.

— Rangers Report (@rangersreport) November 3, 2014

RANGERS TO WATCH

1. Cam Talbot – Talk about having to shake off the rust quick! Talbot last played against the Maple Leafs in relief on October 12th. It’s been over 3 weeks since he last played in a game. In his only start versus Columbus he gave up 4 goals on 23 shots. Talbot needs a good showing here, otherwise we could be looking at an overworked Lundqvist by Thanksgiving.

2. Conor Allen / Dylan McIlrath – They are unlikely to be paired together but you never know. I’ve put them both here as one item simply because they are both being summoned to play under difficult circumstances and will be up against it versus the Blues.

3. Rick Nash – If the Rangers hope to be in this game, #61 is going to have to be a force. Unfortunately for him, the Blues know that and will put every effort to shutting him down.

EYE ON THE ENEMY

1. Vladimir Tarasenko – The kid is talented and looking as a huge breakout candidate in his third season. Even more bad news for the Rangers, he was just named player of the week by the NHL.

2. Kevin Shattenkirk – The local kid from New Rochelle will be pumped to play in front of family and friends. He is the Blues offensive catalyst from the blue line and has 3 assists in his last 3 games.

3. Alex Steen – He has 3 points in his last 3 games. Sure seems like a good game to rattle off a few more as the Rangers are hurting with 4 regular defenseman out and a struggling backup in net.

FULLTILT FORECAST

Rangers lost in a shootout to the Jets dropping my record to 6-4. Tonight, I’d like to pick the Blueshirts, but the deck is stacked against them.

It will take a full 60 minutes and an above average performance from Talbot to keep it close. However, all signs point to this being an easy win for the Blues.

I’m going 5-2 win for the visitors.

In today’s National Hockey League, defense is the glue that holds a team together. Especially through times of hard times during a long season. When things breakdown on the ice, the defense is usually the last line before something bad happens.

The New York Rangers over the past few years have made a killing off of their defensive core. Ryan McDonagh and Dan Girardi have blossomed into excellent hockey players, and became the faces of the Rangers’ defense in a hurry, and they also won the hearts of many fans with their gritty play.

Girardi blocks the most shots out of any player on the Rangers almost every season, and is usually right up there with other defensemen in the league. He sacrifices his body for the sake of winning the hockey game, and that’s what matters most.

McDonagh has evolved into a powerhouse for the team. He makes great defensive plays every night, is strong on the puck, and is also starting to find the offensive side of his game, which only means greater things lie ahead for the Minnesota native.

The Rangers defense this year, including McDonagh and Girardi, also features Marc Staal, John Moore, Kevin Klein, and newcomer Dan Boyle, who was signed as a free-agent over the summer.

This all rounds out into an excellent defensive core, and Alain Vigneault and his staff should call themselves lucky to have one so good.

But the main question floating around in everyone’s heads is “Who will the 7th d-man be?” It’s an interesting topic to think about, considering that the Rangers have some potential guys in the system, but would they be good enough to be on this roster and be a backup or substitute for the main stays?

After looking at this year’s training camp roster, here are the two candidates I thought of that could grab the spot:

Dylan McIlrath- A known player in the organization for a couple of seasons now, and he is aiming to make his mark with the Rangers. A strong, physical defenseman who has been getting seasoned in Hartford, but now he believes he can make the next step. He can fight, hit, and play some solid defense. Qualities that are valued highly by a coaching staff.

He just might be too young and green to get the nod.

Conor Allen- 24 years old, signed as an undrafted free agent back in March of 2013. He played well with the Wolf Pack last season, racking up 31 points in 72 games played, which for a young defenseman is quite good. He has been featured in three preseason games for New York so far in 2014, and he has looked a little shaky, and the likelihood of him being sent back down is high.

Michael Kostka- Looking for new beginnings after being an AHL player for most of his career, Kostka signed with the Rangers back in July, and ever since that moment, he’s been looking to prove why he deserves a spot on this roster. He is a capable defenseman who can limit scoring chances and prevent anything bad from happening. There could be a chance that Vigneault chooses him and gives him a fresh start.

Matt Hunwick- This man has the biggest chance of getting the 7th spot. He also signed with New York back in July, and is looking to crack the roster. At 29 years old, he has served with the Colorado Avalanche and the Boston Bruins, and is also a man who is capable of holding things together in the defensive zone.

With this Thursday marking the beginning of the regular season for the Rangers, Vigneault now has some decisions to make regarding his final roster.

When it comes to the 7th defenseman, I believe he will pick Hunwick because of his NHL experience and he is a little bit more seasoned than the other candidates.

As we wrote yesterday, certain players really needed to stand out to stay. One such players was Danny Kristo and he is on his way back to Hartford.

To Hartford: Conor Allen, Mat Bodie, Chris Bourque, Ryan Bourque, Tommy Hughes, Danny Kristo, Jason Missiaen, Nick Tarnasky, Petr Zamorsky.

— Sean Hartnett (@HartnettHockey) October 1, 2014

Really no huge surprises here. Matt Hunwick did enough last night to win the 7th defenseman spot, although it is not official yet. What is interesting is Conor Allen going down and Dylan McIlrath staying up for the time being. Here’s what my thought process is; the Rangers know what they have in Conor Allen and don’t in Dylan McIlrath. This longer look appears to be an effort by the Rangers organization to see just that. Are they looking at a future starting NHL defenseman or career minor leaguer? McIlrath gets more time in camp to prove it’s the former, but still gets sent down when camp ends. Oscar Lindberg also gets a longer look in camp. Logical reasoning would indicate the Blueshirts are looking to see if he can step up and claim a center spot, which is still up for grabs.

  Sadly for Danny Kristo, I believe this was his last legit chance to make the team. He has certainly been surpassed by many other forwards on the depth chart. Players like Anthony Duclair, Kevin Hayes, Ryan Haggerty, Jesper Fast and Marek Hrivik have all passed him by. Here are the remaining 34:  

34 players remain on the #NYRangers‘ training camp roster. #NYR pic.twitter.com/JlH0Qgob5u — Sean Hartnett (@HartnettHockey) October 1, 2014

Interesting note from Elliotte Friedman at Sportsnet:

The New York Rangers are at the maximum 50 contracts, with Anthony Duclair making a push for the roster. Because of his age (19) and when he signed (Jan. 2, 2014), his entry-level contact will not “slide” this season. So, he will burn the first year of that three-year deal in 2014-15 whether or not he plays in the NHL. Can’t pin down who, but there is no doubt the Rangers are trying to move at least one body so there is room if necessary.

New York took Duclair with its third third-round pick (80th overall) in 2013. There were teams who shied away, wondering why Colorado — picking 63rd — did not take him, since he played for Patrick Roy with the Quebec Remparts. Whatever the reason, the Rangers’ decision looks intelligent.

The Rangers will be announcing roster cuts tomorrow in order to trim down to 30. “Everybody’s going to try and to make the best decisions that they can,” Alain Vigneault told reporters. “When the puck drops on October 8th teams are going to have their veteran lineups on the ice.”

Tonight, will be another opportunity for some of the younger players to make the case for a longer look. Here is the lineup:

Forwards

Anthony Duclair, Kevin Hayes, Ryan Haggerty, Carl Hagelin, Danny Kristo, Marek Hrivik, Oscar Lindberg, Dominic Moore, Chris Mueller, Lee Stempniak, Nick Tarnasky and Ryan Bourque

Defense

John Moore, Kevin Klein, Michael Kostka, Conor Allen, Matt Hunwick and Mat Bodie

Goalies

Cam Talbot, Jason Missiaen

Decisions, Decisions

Anthony Duclair, Kevin Hayes and Ryan Haggerty are sure to be kept past Wednesday. After last night’s performance, nothing has dissuaded Vigneault from giving these 3 forwards and Jesper Fast a longer look.

Unfortunately for kids like Oscar Lindberg, Marek Hrivik and Danny Kristo, if they don’t make a statement tonight, they will be cut.

Chris Mueller, Nick Tarnasky and Ryan Bourque are all but sure to be sent down.

On the blue line, You are looking at a battle for the 7th defense spot and the ones who step up will stay. The absence of Dylan McIlrath in the lineup almost means he will be returned to Hartford tomorrow.

I fully expect Conor Allen to remain past Wednesday and Mat Bodie to be sent down, regardless of performance tonight.

As for Kostka and Hunwick, both have done nothing to distinguish themselves but one could earn the 7th defense spot by default. There really is no point in having Conor Allen ride the pine instead of developing in Hartford.

What are your thoughts?

Let’s begin with this, John Moore is a good young hockey player. His future in the NHL is bright, yet asking the question if it will be on the Rangers is fair.

The 23 year old defenseman was part of a package deal 2 seasons ago. The infamous Marian Gaborik deal to Columbus. In exchange with Moore, the Blueshirst received Derek Dorset (now in Vancouver) and Derick Brassard. The centerpiece of the deal was Brassard, a former 1st round draft pick and center man with great upside.

John Moore was also a 1st rounder, 21st overall in 2009. He just concluded his entry level deal and is working out a new one with NY. He has no arbitration rights and therefore no leverage to work with.

While it is still early, the fact that a contract has yet to be worked out is a growing concern. It was just last season that Derek Stepan held out with basically no leverage at all. The hold-out certainly impacted not only his season but his line mates as well.

The difference here is simple. There was no one in the organization ready to step up and take Stepan’s place as the #1 center. John Moore could be fighting for his job with the likes of recently signed Matt Hunwick.

Both defenseman have prior experience in the NHL and could easily step in as the number 6 defensemen.

While there is no doubt John Moore has the upside factor, for this season, Hunwick could hold the fort.

How about on the defensive side? Let’s look at average time on ice first. The chart clearly shows that Hunwick has played more and has the experience advantage.

When it comes to possession (corsi) for last season, according to Extra Skater, Hunwick finished with a 55.9% for the Avs, while Moore came in at 50.4%.

I am not advocating for Hunwick over Moore. I believe John Moore has top 4 defenseman written all over him. Still, if he holds out the Rangers are safe. However, John Moore’s long-term future in NY could be in jeopardy.

Conor Allen is banging at the door down in Hartford. Dylan McIlrath could live up to his potential at any given moment. If that happens, John Moore being traded for a forward who can score at the deadline – well, that may not be so far fetched.

As the AHL season slowly approaches once again, it is time to look at what each team has in store for the upcoming year. Specifically looking at the Rangers farm-hand, the Hartford WolfPack, we will see what is to be expected from the future pros.

The Pack finished off a rather disappointing 2013-2014 outing with record of 37-32-7, missing the AHL playoffs for the second year in a row. To aid their struggles, Rangers General Manager, Glen Sather, acquired various players during the 2014 NHL offseason that will add tremendous depth. Players such as, Matt Hunwick, Mike Kostka, Chris Bourque, and Chris Mueller will become excellent assets for a run at the Calder Cup.

Assuming that the Rangers call up either JT Miller or Oscar Lindberg to fill a much needed spot at center, a lot of focus will be put on other top prospects within the organization. If there was any year for the youth to prosper, it would be this year. After losing key (yet replaceable) veterans in Brian Boyle, Benoit Pouliot and Anton Stralman,  it is time for a little youth to be injected into the Rangers 2014-2015 roster.

So what can we expect from the Pack this year? Look for Hartford to perform at a better level than before. As the prospects age like fine wine and a little experience is added to the mix, maybe this year they can break the streak and grab a spot in the playoffs.

It will be interesting to see if Jesper Fast is ready to crack the Rangers lineup or continues to season in Hartford. Same can be said for Ryan Haggerty and Oscar Lindberg. 

On the backend, Dylan McIlrath, Conor Allen, Steven Kampfer, Mike Kostka and Matt Hunwick will all battle it out for the big club’s 7th defenseman spot. This will still leave a solid blue-line for the Pack to contend.

In goal, 6’2″ Dov Grumet-Morris will try and continue to build on his second half success last season. The Pack’s push for a playoff spot was largely due to him and the play of TJ Hensick and Danny Kristo.

Speaking of Danny Kristo, will he make the NHL jump, or is it one more year to perfect his game in the AHL? As for T.J. Hensick, who had a stellar second half for Hartford, he seems locked in his position.  At 28 years of age and with NHL experience in Colorado and St. Louis, he can certainly take on a leadership role. 

So while Sather filled the holes he had in the NHL, he also restocked the shelves down in Hartford. This should be a good season for the Wolf Pack.

Rising Expectations
The last time many of us saw Allen, he was in New York, filling in for an injured Anton Stralman. Between the showings in New York and the major gains he made playing for the Wolf Pack, this once unknown player is now the best defensive prospect in Hartford.

Right from the start Allen was thrown into big situations while playing in AHL. He was paired on the second defensive unit with former NHLer Stu Bickel and saw time on the penalty kill. Soon thereafter, he was playing on the top pair and earned time on the power play, all in addition to seeing more time on the penalty kill. During this time Allen demonstrated his fluid skating, and smart decisions. He showed major improvements in his offensive game, chipping in with (6 goals, 26 assists) with 32 points.

Consistently Good
One thing that many young players struggle with at any level is the consistency. Some days they look amazing, while other days they struggle. This is not at all uncommon with most players in Hartford or the AHL for that matter. Conor Allen separates himself from the rest in this department, showing a level and poise not often seen in one so young.

While there may be players that are flashier and stand out more, few were able to play a simple yet effective game every day. It hasn’t been since current Ranger blue liner, Ryan McDonagh left Hartford, that we’ve seen a player that can consistently play at a top level. Conor Allen has shown us this so far.

What to Expect
Allen is a left-handed defenseman who brings good size (6’1, 210lbs) to the blue line and can play in any situation. While he is most known for his great skating ability, Allen has also shown he is a puck moving defenseman who makes good decisions on the ice.

Allen plays a simple defensive game, is always in good position, and finishes his checks. His big body and size help him win puck battles along the boards. This season, his offensive game has been flourishing and is continuing to get better.

When Allen is successful, he is playing a simple inside out game where his positioning is good and he is using his great skating ability, not relying on it. Allen’s speedy development and great play has been a very welcomed surprise to the Rangers organization. Barring a catastrophic collapse, Allen should be able to earn a spot out of camp, next fall.

[su_youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieVkBjbTFMo”]Game Seven Highlights – [/su_youtube]

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