Wolf Pack Weekly: Pack Become Road Warriors

Oct 17, 2018
Celebration

Entering the third week of the season, the Wolf Pack are second in the Atlantic Division. Lias Andersson has been leading the team to victory or helping the group inch towards tying close contests. The second week for Hartford has been interesting. The group hit a 0-1-1 snag and then ended the weekend with a win. After three games, the Pack is in good shape standings-wise.

Walk With Lias

The Rangers prized prospect had an active weekend. In the last four games, the forward notched two goals and four assists for a team lead of six points. Lias Andersson has goals in back to back games along with a fight to complete a Gordie Howe Hat Trick against the Providence Bruins in Saturday night action.

The forward had a dominant weekend in the American Hockey League. He showed the offense along with grit as he continues to develop tremendously.

Tim Gettinger With Hot Start

The first year pro has shown some impressive strides over the last week. The prospect had goals in back to back games in Binghamton and Hartford. He is not afraid to crash the crease or get to the dirty areas. Both goals this weekend resulted in hard work and excellent positioning. Check out a goal that he scored on Wednesday night. He was at the right spot and capitalized on the chance.Ā To date, Tim Gettinger has three goals and an assist for four points.

Road Heavy

The Wolf Pack will be tested with their upcoming schedule in the next few weeks, with Hartford being mainly on the road, including a Canadian road trip. This is the chance for the roster to bond well and build up their confidence to play away from the home rink. The road trip kicked off last Saturday in Providence. Excluding the prior game, Hartford is on the road for three games in Canada. Then they will return home for two games before going back on the road. Eight of the team’s next ten games are on the road, which should be a great test for the group.

Notes and Stats

  • Chris Bigras leads the team in +/- with a +8.Ā  He also recorded two assists on Friday against Providence.Ā  He has four points.
  • Hartford has scored two short-handed goals in five contests.
  • Both veteran goaltenders have split time in the crease.

Quiet AHL Transition

While this will not affect Hartford currently, it will down the road when determining the situation for playoff complications. The AHL has modified how teams enter the post-season. The league used to base standings on points percentage, but they have switched back to overall points. This will be easier for us to understand when taking a quick glance at the post-season opportunities in February, March, and April.

Upcoming Games

Wednesday, October 17th vs Laval Rocket (Montreal) at 7:30 pm, Place Bell

  • The final meeting between both clubs. Hartford won the first meeting on October 7th, 3-1.
  • Lavel enters the game going 2-2 while Hartford is 3-1-1.

Friday, October 19th vs Belleville Senators (Ottawa) at 7:00 pm, CAA Arena

  • This is another two game season series for Hartford. After Friday, Hartford will not face Belleville until March 30th.
  • Belleville is 1-2 entering the week. The Pack last year went 0-2 in the season series.

Saturday, October 20th vs Toronto Marlies (Maple Leafs) at 4:00 pm, Coca-Cola Coliseum

  • Another two game season series for Hartford. The Toronto Marlies visit Hartford on February 13th.
  • The Marlies won the Calder Cup last year. However, this season they are in a “championship hangover” as they’ve dropped their last four games.
  • Toronto enters the week with a record of 1-4, last in the North Division.
  • The Toronto roster has changed as the club lost both of their goalies through waivers and a few Marlies players made the big club.
By Ricky Milliner

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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