Wolf Pack Watch: Morgan Barron Consistent; Pack need to be consistent

Through seven games the Wolf Pack have had some great games and struggles. Hartford is 3-4 thus far in a season where the standings are not a concern.

Despite the struggles, the prospects are getting valuable experience and developing. The Playoffs in the American Hockey League are still to be determined.

Dylan Garand’s First Full Game

On March 2nd, the Wolf Pack fell 4-2 as the Bruin’s Samuel Asselin recorded a hat trick in the second half of the game to continue the woes for the Pack.

Despite being down early, the Pack found a spark to tie the game on the power play early, then eventually grab a 2-1 lead in the first period.

Here’s a look at Morgan Barron’s 3rd of the season. It’s a power play tally for Hartford.

Give the assists to Greco & Gettinger.
#HWP #NYR

Originally tweeted by Ricky Milliner (@Milliner06) on March 2, 2021.

Providence tied the game late in the second, then found a way in the third to give the Pack troubles. Hartford was not giving up as the Pack registered 17 shots on goal alone in the 3rd, opposed to 5 for Providence. The club attempted to get back into the game, but were unable to solve Providence’s Vladar.

Dylan Garand had his first full game in net. The young prospect faced 22 shots on goal and stopped 18. Garand made a few spectacular saves and was was getting accustomed to the professional ranks.

Garand relieved Tyler Wall on February 21st, playing 23:19 and made impressive saves. The prospect has a bright future ahead of him when he is able to rejoin Hartford down the road in his career.

Last Time Out: Wolf Pack Snaps Losing Streak

Looking back to Monday’s game against Providence, the Wolf Pack battled hard to salvage a win against a tough Bruins squad.

Jonny Brodzinski recorded both goals in regulation for Hartford. His first goal was 15 seconds into the game while the other was early in the third to tie the game.

Tyler Wall faced 38 of 40 shots to get the win in overtime for his first pro victory. Hartford recorded 24 shots on goal in a gritty contest.

Mason Geertsen went toe to toe with Providence’s McKinnon

The Bruins tied the game late in the first and grabbed a lead in the middle portion of the 2nd.

The third period was more closer as both sides traded off chances. Tyler Wall had a few spectacular saves as well.

Overtime had good action as well between both clubs. Then the hero, Morgan Barron converted on a quick wrist shot to give Hartford a 3-2 win.

Mason Geertsen Earns Deal With New York

Mason Geertsen would be a tough add (Getty Images)

Announced on March 4th, the Rangers elected to sign defenseman Mason Geertsen to a 2 way, 2 year deal valued at $725k/year.

Prior to his signing, the gritty defenseman was on a SPC (standard player contract) with Hartford.

The club re-signed Geertsen after a solid performance last season, which earned himself another SPC deal with Hartford. Then middle of this season, Geertsen found himself having a deal with New York.

The coaching staff in Hartford enjoys what he brings to the table. He is able to play with grit, not be afraid to drop the gloves, and be able to cause commotion against opponents to throw them off their games.

Geertsen also played forward in the last game, which he did a solid job of. All that hard work earned himself a potential spot with New York down the road if they are down a couple of players.

Transaction Wire

  • Francois Brassard recalled to Hartford from Wheeling on 3/5.
  • Jonny Brodzinski rejoins Hartford after a brief stint with New York on 3/4.
  • Dylan Garand was released from his SPC to join his junior team. The WHL is expected to resume shortly.
  • Jake Elmer was sent to the Jacksonville Ice Men of the ECHL on March 9th.

Hartford Signs James Sanchez to AHL Deal

Chris Drury elected to sign forward James Sanchez to an AHL deal with Hartford on March 7th.

The 23 year old forward spent the last two season with Arizona State University. In his time with Arizona, Sanchez notched 15 goals, 41 assists for 56 points.

He will join Hartford in the upcoming three game road trip.

Schedule Adjustment

Hartford’s original game against Bridgeport on March 6th has been postponed due to roster constraints.

The rescheduled game is to be determined at a later date.

Upcoming Games

Hartford has 17 games remaining on the docket. Here’s a look ahead in the upcoming few weeks:

Friday, March 12th vs Providence Bruins at 1pm, New England Sports Center

  • This is the sixth of 12 meetings against Providence.
  • To watch: AHLTV.
  • Game coverage: Mark Divver.

Thursday, March 18th vs Bridgeport Sound Tigers at 1pm, Webster Bank Arena

  • This is the 3rd meeting in the season series. Hartford is 1-1 thus far.
  • Radio coverage: Bridgeport’s Mixlr.
  • To watch: AHLTV.

Saturday, March 20th vs Providence Bruins at 1pm, XL Center

Thursday, March 25th vs Providence Bruins at 1pm, New England Sports Center

Pack Tracks

  • Morgan Barron has points in five straight games. He recorded three goals and two assists for five points. In his last outing, Barron gave Hartford a game winning goal.
  • Hartford’s goaltending has been split through six games.
    • Keith Kinkaid: 2-0 (Played the first two games)
    • Adam Huska (0-1)
    • Dylan Garand (0-1, does not include partial game he relieved for Tyler Wall)
    • Tyler Wall (1-2)

Ricky Milliner is a Hartford Wolf Pack season ticket holder. While growing up, he discovered hockey by attending a... More about Ricky Milliner

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