Another weekend means another opportunity to collect wins. Last weekend, the Wolf Pack went 2-0-1. They lost in a shootout to Providence on Friday, 4-3 and Saturday started a two game winning streak as Hartford defeated Rochester in the shootout, 3-2 and Springfield in regulation 5-3. That’s five of six points and the team really impressed me with the way they played. The Wolf Pack has recently made some roster changes and that’s slowly been translating to better results with time. Coming into this weekend, Hartford is 10-12-3-2 for 25 points in the Atlantic Division. They are ranked seventh in the division with a point percentage of .463. However, they continue to not be far off from first in the division. Eleven points separate the seventh spot and first. Hartford has notched points in five straight games as well.
Anthony DeAngelo Finds His Touch
DeAngelo is finding his place in Hartford and is making the most of his minutes recently. His play is improving by leaps and bounds and he’s starting to really show why the Rangers traded for him. His passes have been crisp and he’s making his presence known on the power play. Currently he’s riding a three game point streak where he’s notched four assists. Defensively he is sound and has improved. His effort is coming through a lot more in recent games.
Peter Holland Delivers
Chris Drury has helped the offense since his trade for Peter Holland in exchange for Adam Cracknell. Peter Holland is almost a point per game player coming into this weekend. He can shoot the puck well, bury rebounds, and gets in the dirty areas for goals. In addition to his sniping ability, he can help create plays and quickly transition from defense to offense. Currently he has a point streak of four games. He has notched two goals and three assists for five points.
Filip Chytil to Represent Czech
The New York Rangers made it official earlier in the week that Filip Chytil will play in the World Juniors as he represents the Czech. He had a strong outing in Hartford when he played for the club. Hartford will miss Filip Chytil, but he will be back later in the season. Best of luck to him in the world juniors!
Marek Mazanec Debut
Last Sunday was Marek Mazanec’s debut against Springfield. He earned the win in net and kept Springfield from tying the game. I have not seen enough of his playing style yet, but I enjoyed his first game with Hartford. More to follow on him soon!
Pack Notes
- John Gilmour recorded two assists on Sunday. The young defenseman has grown on me. He has taken huge strides in the season. He moves the puck well and has grown defensively.
- Vinni Lettieri continues to impress. He had two goals and one assist on Sunday. He is my top player for the club. He’s the most consistent and versatile. He can play center or wing. In addition to contributing frequently, he can play defense well and is not afraid of the rough style grittier players play with.
- Cole Schneider had his point streak snap on Sunday. He had a four game run, nothing two goals and three assists for five points.
Upcoming Games
- Friday, December 15th vs Wilkes-Barre/Scranton-Penguins (Pittsburgh), 7:15 pm at XL Center
- The Penguins will put the Wolf Pack to test. The Penguins are a tough opponent in the American Hockey League. They are offensively talented and defensively sound. Hartford struggles with the Penguins. However the last time both clubs met, Hartford lost in a shootout, 3-2. The Pack can play a strong game against the Penguins club.
- Saturday, December 16th vs Springfield Thunderbirds (Florida), 7:00 pm at Mass Mutual Center
- The Pack play Springfield, yet again. The season series is fast moving schedule wise. This is the seventh meeting between the clubs. The rivalry has heated up as the series is tied at three. Hartford won the last meeting 4-3.
