He can be claimed by noon tomorrow.

Phil Di Giuseppe lands on COVID list

Rangers forward Phil Di Giuseppe has landed on the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol list. The 27 year-old winger has 7 points in 23 games this season.

Phil Di Giuseppe: Lands in COVID-19 protocol https://t.co/w02w3uNLuq

— RotoWire🏒 (@RotoWireNHL) March 14, 2021

Vitali Kravtsov lands in NY

Forever Blueshirts has learned that Vitali Kravtsov landed late this afternoon and will begin his 10 day quarantine before hitting the ice with the Rangers.

The 9th overall selection in 2018 has a strong season in the KHL where his work ethic and defense was praised. He finished the season with 16 goals and 24 points in 49 games. In the playoffs he kept up his strong play with two goals and four points in Traktor’s 5 game elimination. He finishes his KHL career with 18 points in 31 playoff games. The Rangers hope he brings his post season play to Broadway.

Per source: Vitali Kravtsov has landed in NY and will begin quarantine #NYR

— Forever Blueshirts (@4EverBlueshirts) March 14, 2021

Latest NHL Rumors

Are the Islanders in on Taylor Hall at the deadline? Read more.

While it is still very early in the season, Filip Chytili, K’Andre Miller, Phil DiGiuseppe, Pavel Buchnevich, and Adam Fox are already having notable success. If they can keep their play consistent throughout this season, the team will certainly be headed in the right direction.

Filip Chytil showing growth in third NHL season

Through five games so far, Chytil has arguably been the Rangers’ best center. He has 2 goals and 1 assist for 3 points, more than Mika Zibanejad, Ryan Strome, or Brett Howden. He exhibited excellent patience and awareness on his goal against the Penguins Friday night which prompted Joe Micheletti to comment “that’s growth” on the broadcast. These numbers don’t even tell the whole story. Chytil is skating with more confidence to get in position in the offensive zone, setting himself and his linemates up for success.

Filip Chytil and Kaapo Kakko began playing together towards the end of last season. At the time, they were not very effective. According to Larry Brooks at the New York Post, they were on for five goals for and 18 against in 290:45 of five-on-five ice time. So far this season, however, they have shown some real chemistry. Kaapo Kakko has two goals, the first of which was scored off of a pass from Phil DiGiuseppe. Chytil was able to make this happen as he muscled through Noah Dobson’s defensive play and get the pass back to DiGiuseppe to begin with.

Unfortunately, Filip Chytil will now be lost for the next 4-6 weeks due to an injury suffered in the Rangers last game. Hopefully when he comes back, he can pick up where he left off.

K’Andre Miller impressing early in rookie season

The thing that has stood out most about K’Andre Miller is how quickly he’s adjusted to the pace of the NHL game. Though he seemed reluctant in the first game, it did not last. Miller is always composed, poised, and in control. A rookie in his fifth NHL game won’t always be seen shutting down plays by Sidney Crosby. That’s exactly what Miller did on Sunday night, most notably behind the Rangers’ net late in the first period. It was a show of tenacity that succeeded as he managed to win the puck from Crosby. Miller currently leads the Rangers in plus-minus at +4.

Miller’s size can only be helpful to him. At 6’5″ 210lbs, he has an incredibly long reach that helps to take away the opponent’s time and space. If Miller were to add more physicality to his game, his size would help him in that area as well. With that size, many would be surprised at just how good his skating is. K’Andre Miller has a smooth stride and is certainly fast and agile enough to get in position quickly in the defensive zone.

Phil DiGiuseppe has been a pleasant surprise through five games

Phil DiGiuseppe is proving to be more than most expected. Last season, he spent some time on the top line with Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad, so the potential to do more in all three zones was always there. Now he’s starting to deliver. He has four assists on the season. On Friday night against the Penguins, DiGiuseppe was skating with good awareness, driving to the net, and shooting. One those shots resulted in a rebound that was then netted by Kaapo Kakko. On Sunday, he continued to skate well and brought a physical element. He was relentless in puck battles along the boards as well.

With the offseason departures of Jesper Fast and Marc Staal, this young Rangers team required a veteran presence with a strong work ethic on the ice. DiGiuseppe is proving to be that presence. At 27 years of age, he is stepping up and providing a good example for Chytil and Kakko as younger players on his line.

RELATED: Di Giuseppe proving to be a “Fast” replacement

Pavel Buchnevich playing with more confidence

During training camp, David Quinn said that is was Buchnevich’s best showing since Quinn was hired. Buchnevich’s skating has been somewhat shaky in the past, though with noticeable improvement each year.

This season, Buchnevich seems more comfortable and more aware. He is able to use his skating to get to open areas of ice and create scoring opportunities. He has capitalized on some as he is tied for first on the team in goals with two. On Friday night, Buchnevich had about four chances that were just barely missed. Overall, his willingess to skate, go to the net, and shoot will only be beneficial going forward. When pucks get thrown on net, favorable things happen.

Buchnevich has spent time on both the first and second lines already this season. He seems to have good chemistry with both sets of linemates. In a season with so many unknowns and no set Rangers lineup yet, this will be very helpful to the team. If someone were to test positive for COVID-19 or wind up with a long term injury, Buchnevich could easily fill a spot on either of the top two lines.

Adam Fox avoiding sophomore curse

In Adam Fox’s rookie season last year, the most common observation was that he never looked like a rookie. Fox had no trouble adjusting to the NHL pace and was always very composed. On a Rangers defense with quite a bit of offensive upside, Fox was arguably the most effective defenseman in the Rangers’ end of the ice. Though we have only seen him through five games so far this season, he seems to be picking up right where he left off.

On Sunday night, Steve Valiquette described Adam Fox’s zone exits as “quiet.” These seamless transitions are a helpful tool for a defenseman to have in order to begin a possible breakout. Fox is currently riding a four-game point streak scoring one goal and picking up four assists for five points, second on the team. It should be interesting to see if his streak continues Tuesday night against the Buffalo Sabres. Fox needs to continue to be consistent. If he can avoid the sophomore curse altogether, the Rangers defense will receive a significant boost.

He is “quickly” becoming a “fast” replacement to a former Blueshirt, Jesper Fast.

Phil Di Giuseppe earning trust and playing time

The 27 year-old has come a long way from being selected in the 2nd round of the 2012 Draft by the Carolina Hurricanes. He toiled in and out of the Canes lineup but managed to pick up 41 points in 147 games for them over four seasons.

He made a quick pit stop in Nashville before joining the Rangers organization in 2019-20. Di Giuseppe made an impression on David Quinn late last season playing in 20 games and notching 4 points.

“I love his pace,’’ David Quinn said about DiGiuseppe last season. “He plays a lot like Fast. He’s got that hard-working mentality; he gets to the net, plays at a pace.” The head coach is being rewarded for his praise and trust in the hard-working forward.

Di Giuseppe enters today’s game against the Penguins with a three-game point streak. He’s already matched last year’s totals on the strength of 4 assists.

Phil Di Giuseppe making a difference for the Rangers

Quietly, Di Giuseppe is at the top of the NHL’s leaderboard in several categories:

• 1st in the NHL in points per 60 at 5-on-5 (7.53) and assists per 60 at 5-on-5 (7.53)
• 1st in the NHL (min. 3 games played) in SAT% (73.7%)
• 1st in the NHL (min. 3 games played) in individual shot attempts per 60 at 5-on-5 (28.24) and individual shots on goal per 60 at 5-on-5 (20.71)
• T-1st in the NHL in assists (4) and primary assists (4) at 5-on-5
• T-2nd in the NHL in even strength assists (4) and primary assists (4)
• T-5th in the NHL in points at 5-on-5 (4)
• 10th in the NHL (min. 3 games played) in hits per 60 minutes (18.53)

Note: Stats provided by NYR PR

Pretty impressive if you ask me.

Slowly but surely, Di Giuseppe is proving to be that invaluable low-cost bottom-six forward every team needs if they want to win at this level. His yeomen efforts are not something you easily find, are want to replace.

It also would not shock me that when the Rangers assessed where they were in the rebuild and contrasted the game’s of Di Giuseppe and Fast, it made their decision easier.

Phil will likely never replace Jesper’s value in the leadership category. In truth, he doesn’t have to because that’s something for players like Artemi Panarin and Jacob Trouba to handle.

He just needs to keep doing what he’s doing, and that will be more than enough.

Alex Ovechkin taking heat from Brad Marchand

Alex Ovechkin is getting it from players and media for violating COVID rules.

Rangers First Overall Pick turns 19

Alexis Lafreniere turned 19 today! The Rangers made sure to send out their future star Birthday wishes.

In case you missed it, Steve Serby of the NY Post did a Q&A with Alexis Lafreniere and it is a must read.

Q: Tell Rangers fans what kind of player you are — a personal scouting report.
A: I am a competitive power forward who likes to be creative and use my teammates as much as possible on the ice. I bring intensity and passion every single shift and I like to use my body as much as my hands to create opportunities on the ice.

Alexis Lafreniere/NYPost

Dan Girardi future head coach?

Former NY Rangers defenseman, Dan Girardi is coaching in Canada and has some future aspirations it seems.

Di Giuseppe with Mika and Buch

Phil Di Giuseppe has earned a shot to fill in Kreider’s role due to his comparative size, speed, and playing style. While he isn’t expected to score like Kreider, he will need to be a physical presence in the corners and in front.

“I love his pace. He plays a lot like [Jesper] Fast. He’s got that hardworking mentality. He gets to the net. He plays at a pace and he can create room for Buchy and Mika,” Quinn said. “We’ll start it that way [Tuesday] and see how it goes.

NYPOST

Taylor Hall UFA Target

For those who want a jump on Free Agent Frenzy, here’s a post I wrote today.

Hall who can play center and left wing, would be most beneficial to the Rangers in the middle. He turns 29 next November and will command a full 7 years. However, his desire to play for a contender in a big city could play to the Rangers advantage. Does that mean a little less money? Will he not demand a full no trade? Remember the Rangers can front load any deal to entice a player of Hall’s caliber.

READ ENTIRE ARTICLE HERE

Notes vs. Blues

• All-Time: 81-45-16-2 (48-14-6-1 at home; 33-31-10-1 on the road)
• Today’s game is the second of two meetings between the Rangers and Blues, and the only meeting between the two teams at MSG. The Rangers have posted a 0-1-0 record (0-0-0 at home; 0-1-0 on the road), following the Blues’ 5-2 win on Jan. 11 at St. Louis.
• Alexandar Georgiev – 2 GP, 1-0-1, 2.97 GAA, .924 SV% – Georgiev made 44 saves and earned a win in his last appearance against the Blues on Mar. 29, 2019 at MSG.
• Artemi Panarin – 15 GP, 4-12-16 – Panarin has tallied an assist/point in each of his last three games against St. Louis (six assists over the span), and he has posted a multi-assist/point game in two of the three contests. He has recorded an assist/point in seven of his last nine games against the Blues, tallying 13 points (two goals, 11 assists) over the span.
• Mika Zibanejad – 12 GP, 5-7-12 – Zibanejad has tallied a point in six of the last eight games (four goals, four assists) and in nine of 12 career games against the Blues. He has also tallied three goals in the last five games and four goals in the last seven games against the Blues.

Notes courtesy of NYR PR Dept

Wild Card Watch

Tonight’s action has the Rangers taking on the Blues at home and the Islanders facing off against the Canadiens. A win by the Rangers puts them at 76 points. With both Carolina and Columbus idle, it would be a huge boost to their playoff chances.

Di Giuseppe on top line

Phil Di Giuseppe has earned a shot to fill in Kreider’s role due to his comparative size, speed, and playing style. While he isn’t expected to score like Kreider, he will need to be a physical presence in the corners and in front.

“I love his pace. He plays a lot like [Jesper] Fast. He’s got that hardworking mentality. He gets to the net. He plays at a pace and he can create room for Buchy and Mika,” Quinn said. “We’ll start it that way [Tuesday] and see how it goes.

NYPOST

Pre-Game Notes

• All-Time: 81-45-16-2 (48-14-6-1 at home; 33-31-10-1 on the road)
• Today’s game is the second of two meetings between the Rangers and Blues, and the only meeting between the two teams at MSG. The Rangers have posted a 0-1-0 record (0-0-0 at home; 0-1-0 on the road), following the Blues’ 5-2 win on Jan. 11 at St. Louis.
• Alexandar Georgiev – 2 GP, 1-0-1, 2.97 GAA, .924 SV% – Georgiev made 44 saves and earned a win in his last appearance against the Blues on Mar. 29, 2019 at MSG.
• Artemi Panarin – 15 GP, 4-12-16 – Panarin has tallied an assist/point in each of his last three games against St. Louis (six assists over the span), and he has posted a multi-assist/point game in two of the three contests. He has recorded an assist/point in seven of his last nine games against the Blues, tallying 13 points (two goals, 11 assists) over the span.
• Mika Zibanejad – 12 GP, 5-7-12 – Zibanejad has tallied a point in six of the last eight games (four goals, four assists) and in nine of 12 career games against the Blues. He has also tallied three goals in the last five games and four goals in the last seven games against the Blues.

Notes courtesy of NYR PR Dept

The group resumes their quest to be one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference on Friday. Last weekend, the Wolf Pack snapped a 0-2-2 run to win two straight against the Bridgeport Sound Tigers and Lehigh Valley Phantoms. The AHL’s annual Playoff Primer will be out in February. Let’s take a look at the latest happenings from Connecticut’s capital city.

Home Cooking Continues

Hartford continues to have the best home record in the league. The Wolf Pack will have a chance to tie a franchise record of 11 straight home wins Friday night against the Springfield Thunderbirds. The group could surpass the record next Wednesday if they win on Friday. The prior record was established from December 17th, 2004 to February 18th, 2005. The group continues to smash franchise records and find ways to rank up from previous rosters.

At the XL Center, Hartford is 18-1-0-2 through 21 home games, collecting 38 of 42 possible points at home. Generating 90% of points at home is quite the accomplishment for the group. Considering we are approaching February, this is truly remarkable. The XL Center is a tough place to play in for opponents. What a difference from this season to last.

The last time Hartford lost at home was on Wednesday, November 20th, against the Syracuse Crunch. The first shootout loss was on October 13th against the Rochester Americans while the other shootout loss was on November 9th against the Belleville Senators.

Weekend Goalie Switching

Igor Shesterkin played in two games over the weekend with Hartford as the Rangers returned the goalie during the NHL’s All-Star weekend. As a result, Adam Huska was assigned to Maine to play for the weekend as well.

Shesterkin played well and helped Hartford collect two wins. He continues to be sharp in net and did not miss a beat despite not playing as much with the Rangers. He continues to be a blessing to watch in person. While playing his two games, the prospect managed to bring his GAA even lower to a 1.90. He continues to have the best stats in the league.

As for Huska, he needed more playing time to fight through his struggles and slumps. The prospect had a good weekend with the Maine Mariners as he stopped 68 shots and pulled out a 43 save performance against the Worcester Railers (Maine won 8-1). Huska established a 1-1 record with a 1.53 GAA and a .958 SV%. I expect the experience and confidence boost will bring his game higher once he returns in net for Hartford.

Standings Update

The Wolf Pack are 25-10-4-5 for 59 points. That ranks the group first in the Atlantic Division and Eastern Conference. The group ranks second in the AHL. However, the Hershey Bears have the same amount of points as the Wolf Pack. Hartford continues to own the tiebreaker entering the week (two fewer games played).

Hershey continues to be on Hartford’s tail, recording a 27-14-2-3 record through 46 games for 59 points. The Bears’ resurgence in the last two to three months continues to power the club.

The Providence Bruins are finding their groove as of late and grabbed sole possession of third in the Atlantic Division. Through 46 games, the Bruins are 25-16-2-3 for 55 points. The Wolf Pack continues to have little room for error to slide in the division since the Bruins are also creeping up on the club.

The Springfield Thunderbirds, Charlotte Checkers, and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins are in a dogfight for the final playoff spot in the division. The Thunderbirds hold fourth place with a record of 25-19-2 for 52 points. The Checkers are 24-16-3 for 51 points for fifth. The Penguins are 22-16-3-4 for 51 points as well, for sixth. The battle in the standings will continue to increase as the season progresses. Last week the dogfight included Providence as the standings continue to change. We’ll see how everything unfolds after the weekend.

The Lehigh Valley Phantoms are in seventh with a record of 18-21-1-5 for 42 points while the Bridgeport Sound Tigers are in last in the division with a record of 15-28-4-1 for 35 points.

On The Beat: Scouting Vinni Lettieri

Check out the progression of Rangers prospect Vinni Lettieri here, written by my colleague Greg Markiewicz.

Stay tuned for the next post by Greg as he will reflect and talk about the AHL’s All-Star Festivities. Vinni Lettieri and Joey Keane had great moments!

AHL Changes Veteran Rule

Beginning next season, there will be a change to the veteran status in the league.

The rule change is to help younger guys continue to develop at a longer time. It will be interesting to see how NHL clubs build their AHL teams next season with the new changes.

One Timers

• Danny O’Regan collected 29 points through 44 games. The forward has points in six of the last nine games, collecting three goals and five assists.
• Captain Steven Fogarty collected 28 points through 37 games. The forward has points in three of the last five games, collecting two goals and three assists.
• Cristoval “Boo” Nieves continues to be hot offensively for Hartford. Nieves has points in ten of the last thirteen games, collecting three goals and twelve assists. The forward has five games with two or more points during the current run.
• Phil Di Giuseppe continues to be a great veteran in Hartford. Through 41 games, Di Giuseppe has 25 points (13G, 12A). The forward is five points away from tying his career high in the AHL. He has a career high of scoring 13 goals this season, beating his previous record of 12 in the 2016-17 season with Charlotte.
• Darren Raddysh is none points away from tying his career high as well in the AHL. Through 44 games this season, the defenseman has 21 points (6G, 15A).
• Matt Beleskey had a three point performance last Friday against Bridgeport. The veteran has four points in the last three games.

Wolf Pack’s Fourth Line Chugging Along

Ryan Gropp and Shawn McBride in the last couple of weeks are becoming key cogs for depth. Despite being on the fourth line, they are getting the job done.

Ryan Gropp has a quiet but increasing more noticeable game lately. Gropp has found his grove and has a few points on the scoresheet as of late (four points in the last four games). Before he was showing up in the scoresheet, the prospect had great offensive opportunities and has worked to improve his play in the neutral zone. He is doing all the little things right on the ice, which is critical in close games. After a rough start to the season, we can see a progression in his growth. He is working hard, and dividends are paying off. He is being rewarded for staying in Hartford and participating nightly.

Shawn McBride is a reliable center for Hartford, which was a surprising asset for Kris Knoblauch. The forward has gained trust from Hartford’s coaching staff to take huge draws at critical moments in the game. He has earned himself the opportunity to stay in Hartford and participate in contests on a nightly basis. Earlier in the season, he was often in and out of the lineup and was eventually sent down to the ECHL.

McBride continues to be a good depth center for Hartford. The forward has found himself on the scoresheet a few times as well, registering three points over the last four games.

Transactions

• Lewis Zerter-Gossage assigned to Maine on January 23rd. He was called up on January 26th.
• Adam Huska was assigned to Maine on January 23rd. He returned to Hartford on January 26th.
• Francois Brassard signed a professional tryout agreement (PTO) on January 23rd. He was released on January 26th.
• The Rangers lifted Lias Andersson’s suspension on January 27th, and he was officially loaned to HV71 of the SHL.

Upcoming Games

Hartford begins a three-game series with the Springfield Thunderbirds. Two of the games will take place this weekend, while the finale will be on February 5th. The Wolf Pack will be road heavy in the month of February before becoming home heavy in March.

Friday, January 31st vs Springfield Thunderbirds (Florida) at 7:15 pm, XL Center

• This is the fourth of ten meetings in the season series against Springfield (Hartford leads the series 3-0). The Wolf Pack have outscored Springfield 9-3 thus far in the series.
• As noted earlier, Springfield is 25-19-2 for 52 points. That ranks the group fourth in the Atlantic Division. Springfield has won seven of its last ten outings.
• Rookie Owen Tippett lead the Thunderbirds in scoring. The Panthers prospect registered 19 goals, 21 assists for 40 points in 46 games.
• Listen – Mixr. Watch – AHLTV.

Saturday, February 1st vs. Springfield Thunderbirds (Florida) at 7 pm, Mass Mutual Center

• The fifth of ten meetings in the season series.
• This is the second meeting at the Mass Mutual Center this season between the clubs. Last time in Springfield, the Wolf Pack won 5-2 on December 9th.
• Springfield is 14-9-1 home while Hartford is 7-9-4-3 on the road.
• Listen – Mixr. Watch – AHLTV.

Shesterkin to Hartford

Contrary to what was written on the site yesterday by yours truly, the Rangers have in fact sent goaltender Igor Shesterkin to Hartford, along with forward Phil di Giuseppe. It should be noted that the headline should’ve read Shesterkin will not be sent down to play in the AHL All Star Game.

With the Rangers being off until they face the Red Wings on the 31st, Shesterkin will be able to get some game action with the Wolf Pack before he is likely recalled.

Kreider replaces Panarin

Chris Kreider will be replacing his teammate Artemiy Panarin at the NHL’s All-Star festivities this weekend.

Panarin, who missed Monday’s practice and Tuesday night’s loss against the Islanders, is dealing with what David Quinn called an upper-body injury. This has been a nagging issue for Panarin over the last few days, which the head coach mentioned in his postgame press conference following last night’s defeat, and the team felt it would be better to allow Panarin to rest up for the final 2.5 months of the regular season.

“He’s had an upper-body issue and we were kind of 50-50 throughout the afternoon (about) whether he was going to play,” Rangers coach David Quinn said. “By the end, it just seemed like the right thing to do.”

Vince Mercogliano/Lohud

As for Kreider, the 28-year-old forward will be headed to the All-Star Game for the first time in his eight year career. Kreider has registered 31 points (16G, 15A) in 47 games this season, ranking him fifth on the team in scoring.

Through 39 games, Hartford is 23-9-2-5 for 53 points. That ranks them 1st in the Atlantic Division, Eastern Conference, and tied for 3rd in the American Hockey League (Tied for 2nd with the Tucson Road Runners. However, Tucson has the tiebreaker as they played 4 less games than Hartford).

The Wolf Pack continue their road trip as the club has 3 games throughout the week.

Adam Huska Becomes Starting Goalie

Kris Knoblauch gave Huska the nod to become Hartford’s starting goalie once Igor Shesterkin was called up to New York last Monday. The Rangers prospect played in 3 straight games, stopping 80 of 85 shots. His record improves to 8-4-4 with a 2.61 goals against average and a .908 save percentage. Huska has looked great in his recent games, after struggling in his previous starts.

Transactions

• Igor Shesterkin called up on January 6th.
• Tom McCollum assigned to Hartford from the Florida Everblades of the ECHL on January 6th.
• Steven Fogarty returned to Hartford on December 12th.
• Phil Di Giuseppe was called up on January 12th.

Tom McCollum Debuts Against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton

Veteran goaltender Tom McCollum was a July 1st signing by Hartford last summer. Despite a rough and slow start to his game in the ECHL, the veteran found himself in Hartford at the halfway point of the season. Unfortunately, McCollum’s first game in a Hartford uniform was a shutout for the Penguins as Hartford lost 1-0 for their 2nd game without registering a goal in a contest.

Prior to his debut in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, McCollum spent time with the Rangers ECHL affiliate, the Maine Mariners. The goaltender played in 11 games, going 5-5 with a 3.71 goals against average and a .886 save percentage. Then he was assigned to Florida of the ECHL and has played 3 games, going 3-0 with a 1.65 goals against average and a .938 save percentage.

Standings Outlook

The Hershey Bears continue to be right behind the Wolf Pack in the Atlantic Division. Hershey ranks 2nd in the division and is behind Hartford by 2 points. The Providence Bruins rank 3rd, compiling a record of 22-15-1-2 for 47 points. The Springfield Thunderbirds are in 4th with a record of 21-18-2 for 44 points. Charlotte is in 5th with 43 points. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton is in 6th for 42 points. Seventh place belongs to Lehigh Valley with 35 points and eighth place (last) belongs to Bridgeport with 33 points. There is a 20 point gap between 1st and 8th in the division with a cluster between 3rd to 6th.

Phil Di Giuseppe Called Up

The 26 year old forward has earned himself a call up to New York based on his performance this season. Di Giuseppe has heated up offensively, registering 10 points (3 goals, 7 assists) in the last 6 of 7 games. The forward had 7 points in 4 straight games as well. He is a great spark to Hartford and could become a spark for the depth positions in New York. He has a great all around game and can fill in any voids while Brendan Lemiux is out.

On The Beat: Yegor Rykov Analysis

Be sure to check out Greg Markiewicz’s article on up and coming defenseman Yegor Rykov here.

One Timers

• Vinni Lettieri leads the team in points (32). That ranks the forward 17th among players in the league for points. Lettieri collected 15 goals and 17 assists in 39 games. The forward also ranks 10th in the league for power play goals (7).
• Rookie Joey Keane snapped his 8 game drought last Friday in Hartford as the prospect recorded 1 assist.
• Cristoval “Boo” Nieves had 4 game point streak snap on Saturday. The forward has 10 points (3 goals, 7 assists) in the last 6 of 8 games.
• Tim Gettinger has 7 points in the last 4 of 7 games (4 goals, 3 assists). The forward had a 3 point performance last Friday against Charlotte.
• Mason Geertsen recorded 2 assists last Friday. The rugged defenseman had his first multiple point game of the season.
• Despite being held off the scoresheet in 6 games, Vitali Kratvsov has continuous effort on the ice. His game may not show on the scoresheet, but he is playing consistent with his line. Kravtsov continues to produce opportunities and is working on his game in all ends of the ice. He has struggles in moments, but is working to become a better player overall.
• Ryan Gropp had a quiet but great games this past week. Gropp recorded 1 assist on last Wednesday and has done the little aspects of the game well to help Hartford in the depth roles. He has generated a few chances, forced a few turnovers and has gave opponents trouble as of late. After a slow start to the season, Gropp is having good looks on ice.
• Matt Beleskey continues to be consistent offensively. The veteran has 8 points (5 goals, 3 assists) in the last 6 of 9 games.
  • Check out Beleskey’s beautiful goal from last Friday here. What a play and effort!!!
• Hartford is 16-1-0-2 through 19 home games at the XL Center. That is the best home record in the league.
• Hartford is 7-8-2-3 through 20 games away from home.

Upcoming Games

Wednesday, January 15th vs Utica Comets (Vancouver) at 7pm, Adirondack Bank Center at the Utica Memorial Auditorium

• This is the 2nd of 4 meetings in the season series against Utica. Hartford won the first meeting 3-1 on 1/4 at the XL Center.
• The Comets enter the week with a record of 22-13-2-2 for 48 points in the North Division. That ranks them 1st in the division. Utica is 6-3-1 in their last 10 games.
• Reid Boucher lead the Comets on offense with 42 points in 34 games. The forward recorded 22 goals and 20 assists. Boucher ranks 1st in the league for points.
• Rookie Brogan Rafferty ranks 15th among players in the league for points. The Canucks prospect has 5 goals, 28 assists for 33 points in 39 games.
• Nikolay Goldobin and Kole Lind rank 19th and 20th respectively in the league for points (32).
• Listen – KRock94.9. Watch – AHLTV.
  • NOTE: Hartford does not broadcast away games unless noted otherwise.

Friday, January 17th vs Utica Comets (Vancouver) at 7pm, Adirondack Bank Center at the Utica Memorial Auditorium

• This is the 3rd of 4 meetings in the season series against the Utica Comets. The final meeting will be on 3/28 in Hartford.
• Hartford is 10-5-1-1 against the Comets in the last 5 years.
• This is the 3rd of 4 games on the road trip for the Wolf Pack.
• Listen – KRock94.9. Watch – AHLTV.
  • NOTE: Hartford does not broadcast away games unless noted otherwise.

Saturday, January 18th vs Hershey Bears (Washington) at 7pm, Giant Center

• This is the 4th of 6 meetings in the season series against Hershey. The Bears have won their last 8 of 10 games. This is the last meeting at the Giant Center. The last 2 meetings will be in Hartford on March 6th and 7th.
• The Bears enter the week with a record of 23-11-2-3 for 51 points. That ranks them 2nd in the Atlantic Division.
• Mike Sgarbossa lead the Bears in offense as the forward recorded 11 goals, 24 assists for 35 points in 34 games.
• The Wolf Pack are 1-0-1 at the Giant Center this season. Hartford won the last game in Hershey, 2-1 on 1/8.
• Listen – Fox Sports 1460 Harrisburg. Watch – AHLTV.
  • NOTE: Hartford does not broadcast away games unless noted otherwise.