Wolf Pack Weekly: Rangers affiliate slipping away In standings
The Wolf Pack gear up for another week’s worth of games before the league enters holiday break. Hartford has three games on tap after returning from a trip to Charlotte. Unfortunately, the losing streak continued for the Wolf Pack. Entering this week, Hartford has dropped five straight games. This bumps Hartford to a record of 11-14-1-2 for 25 points. That puts the club in 7th place in the Atlantic Division.
Alexandar Georgiev Plays Before Call Up
Prior to the call up to New York on Sunday, the Rangers young goaltender played in five straight games with Hartford. The prospect had a few impressive games bunched in with a few struggling ones. The playing time gave a chance for the young goalie to shake off his rust before playing in any games with the Rangers. In the span of five games, the prospect went 0-5. Keep in mind that his record is also due to Hartford’s struggles in their own zone. The Pack’s blue line has struggled as of recent and was unable to help Alexandar Georgiev much. In eight games this season, his record is 2-6 with a goals against average of 3.30 and a save percentage of .890.
When Will Marek Mazanec Play?
When the Rangers assigned Alexandar Georgiev to Hartford, it was assumed that Marek Mazanec will sit. He has sat for too long. Prior to Alexandar Georgiev playing, Marek Mazanec has not played since November 18th against the Rochester Americans. That is over a month of no playing time. Despite just practices, he needs game action. Now he has the opportunity to play before the holiday break. I expect him and Dustin Tokarski to play this week. Dustin Tokarski has not played since December 1st and he could be rusty as well.
Transactions
Hartford will receive Dustin Tokarski and Matt Beleskey prior to Wednesday’s game. They both had a strong impact for the Pack during their four game winning streak.
Cristoval Boo Nieves will be up in New York two to four weeks as Jesper Fast is out. Alexandar Georgiev is back up with New York as well to take back his backup role.
Standings
Here is a look at the standings entering the week.
As you notice, Hartford has slipped in the standings by plenty of points. The Pack must play catch up as soon as possible. Otherwise, they will have a tough time playing the second half of the season. The Pack will face the divisional rivals frequently after break (Providence, Bridgeport, Springfield twice). If the club puts together a nice winning streak, they could be back in business in a couple of weeks.
Upcoming Games
Hartford will have one at home and two on the road.
Wednesday, December 19th vs Providence Bruins (Boston) at 7pm, XL Center
- This is the fifth meeting out of ten in the season series against Providence. Hartford is 3-0-1 in the pivotal series match up.
- Providence is in 6th in the Atlantic Division and ahead of Hartford by four points. The Bruins are also 5-5 in their last ten games.
- Providence’s Anders Bjork has points in his last six of seven games. He notched one goal and seven assists for eight points.
Friday, December 21st vs Rochester Americans (Buffalo) at 7:05pm, Blue Cross Arena at the Rochester War Memorial
- This is the second of four meetings against the Americans. The first meeting was on November 18th as Hartford dropped a 4-3 decision.
- Rochester leads the North Division with 38 points. The Americans have won their last seven of ten games and enter the week winning two straight.
- Rochester’s Zach Redmond is first for points in AHL defensemen. He has 14 goals, 10 assists for 24 points.
Saturday, December 22nd vs Rochester Americans (Buffalo) at 7:05pm, Blue Cross Arena at the Rochester War Memorial
- This is the third of four meetings between the clubs. After Saturday’s game, the final match will be in Hartford on February 2nd.
- Hartford is 4-8-0-2 on the road while Rochester is 10-5 at home.
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