Last week was spectacular for the Wolf Pack as the good times continue to roll in the capital city. The club collected five of six points to maintain first place in the Atlantic Division by defeating the surging Hershey Bears and competitive Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
Hartford fell short against Springfield as the club dropped a 3-2 decision in overtime. The rematch will take place this Friday in Hartford.
The team collected franchise win 950 by downing the Hershey Bears last week. This dates back to the franchise’s early beginnings as the the Providence Reds in 1936.
That milestone was followed by Jonny Brodzinski tying and breaking the franchise record for the longest goal streak.
Wolf Pack New Goal Scoring Streak Record
Hartford’s captain Jonny Brodzinski shattered a franchise record that was established by Ryan Callahan in the 2006-07 season. Prior to Brodzinski’s accomplishment, Callahan held the record for the longest goal scoring streak (eight games). The captain tied the record on Friday in Springfield.
Late in the third period on Saturday against Lehigh Valley, Brodzinski capitalized on an error by the Phantom’s goaltender Garrett Metcalf to write his name into the record books.
The veteran continues to have a successful season. Through 29 games, the captain recorded 16 goals and 17 assists for 33 points. His career high in points is with the Ontario Reign in the 2016-17 season with 49 points. There are plenty of games remaining for him to match that.
If the season ended today, I could see him getting another contract with New York. He was a great signing for Hartford and has produced extensive results.
Wold Pack get Franchise Win 950
Last Wednesday’s game featured a 3-2 shootout win against the Hershey Bears. Despite defensive struggles in the contest, Hartford kept pace with Hershey. Keith Kinkaid had another strong performance in net to keep Hartford in the outing.
This was an important game to secure two points as the Bears are close to Hartford in the standings as both clubs are separated by a small margin in the point percentage depart.
The win was the 950th in franchise history.
Around the Pack
Nils Lundkvist’s Week
The talented prospect continues to play big minutes with the Wolf Pack. Last week, the prospect was utilizing his speed, passing, and shots well. Lundkvist managed to get on the scoresheet twice on Saturday as the defenseman recorded his first goal in the American Hockey league and one assist.
The mobility of Lundkvist is impressive and he has shown the ability to utilize his great shot. He provides additional offensive power to the roster while also playing well on defense.
Lundkvist recorded a high of five shots in Wednesday’s game despite being held off the scoresheet. He was paired with Zac Jones last weekend, which was fun to watch. The two defensemen can move and provide a different element to the top pairing.
Hartford Bolster Forward Group
Hartford signed veteran Matt Lorito to a one year AHL deal.
Lorito is a 31 year old forward that brings experience and additional firepower to the roster. Prior to playing overseas earlier this season, Lorito played eight seasons in the AHL.
The veteran has a Calder Cup on his resume as well while playing with the Grand Rapids Griffins (2016-17 season). Hartford’s General Manger Ryan Martin was the GM for the Griffins as well when Lorito was on the roster.
This is a great signing by Martin on a dependable player that will further enhance Hartford’s playoff run. This moves help bolsters the club in the second half of the season plus post-season.
Standings Update
As we approach the weekend, Hartford continues to maintain first in the Atlantic Division. Through 40 games, Hartford compiled a record of 22-12-4-2 for 50 points (.625). The Wolf Pack have 32 games remaining on the docket, the third fewest remaining in the division.
The Hershey Bears continue to be a threat in the standings as the club has performed well in the last two months. The Bears won their last two of three games and are on a 2-0-0-1 run. Hershey is ranked second in the division with a record of 23-13-3-3 for 52 points (.619).
The Springfield Thunderbirds are in third and is in Hartford’s vicinity. Friday’s game against Springfield is huge as the standings are tight. The Providence Bruins have cooled off. However, they will continue to be a threat in the division despite being in fourth with a record of 18-12-3-3 for 42 points (.583). The Bruins have work to do to get higher in the standings and they have done that before.
One Timers
- Jonny Brodzinski has points in nine straight. The captain has nine goals and six assists for 15 points. Brodzinski also had four games with a multi-point performance.
- Anthony Greco has points in the last seven of nine games (two goals, five assists).
- Lauri Pajuniemi recorded two assists in the last two of three games.
- Austin Rueschhoff has goals in two straight games.
- Morgan Barron has points in two straight games (one goal, one assist).
- Zach Giuttari recorded two assists in the last two games.
Transactions
- Defenseman Zach Berzolla returned to Jacksonville (ECHL) on February 6th.
- Jarred Tinordi assigned to Hartford from New York on February 8th.
Upcoming Games
Friday, February 11th vs Springfield Thunderbirds (St. Louis) at 7pm, XL Center
- This is the ninth of 12 meetings in the season series. Hartford is 4-3-1 thus far against Springfield. Both clubs met last Friday in Springfield as Hartford dropped the game in overtime by a score of 3-2. The 10th meeting will be on February 25th and the last two meetings will be on March 23rd and 25th.
- Entering the weekend, Springfield compiled a record of 23-14-5-1 for 52 points (.605). That ranks the group third in the Atlantic Division and fifth in the Eastern Conference. The Thunderbirds are 5-3-2 in their last ten games. In the last five outings, Springfield is 3-2 as the Thunderbirds won their previous game on Wednesday against Utica (3-2 win).
- Veteran Matthew Peca leads the Thunderbirds in points (35). Through 37 games, the forward recorded 14 goals and 21 assists. Peca is ranked 17th in the AHL for points. Veterans Nathan Walker and Sam Anas are tied for second in points with 34. Walker recorded 16 goals and 18 assists in 32 games while Anas recorded 11 goals and 23 assists in 42 games.
- Listen – Mixr. Watch – AHLTV.
Saturday, February 12th vs Rochester Americans (Buffalo) at 7pm, XL Center
- This is the third of four meetings in the season series. Hartford is 0-2 thus far in the series. The final meeting between the clubs will be held in Rochester on April 16th.
- Entering the weekend, Rochester compiled a record of 23-15-2-1 for 49 points (.598). That ranks the group third in the North Division and sixth in the Eastern Conference. The Americans are 4-4-2 in their last ten outings. In the last five games, Rochester is 2-3 and returned to the win column on Wednesday with a 3-1 win against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
- Michael Mersch leads the Americans in points with 39. The veteran recorded 19 goals and 20 assists in 41 games. The forward is ranked eighth in the AHL for points. Prospect JJ Peterka is second in points on Rochester’s roster. Through 35 games, the forward collected 11 goals and 25 assists in 35 games. Peterka is ranked third among rookies in the league for points.
- Listen – Mixr. Watch – AHLTV.
