Brennan Othmann injury clouds successful Wolf Pack weekend
The Hartford Wolf Pack won two of three games this past weekend, but the New York Rangers’ affiliate in the American Hockey League also sustained a significant blow to their roster.
Top Rangers prospect Brennan Othmann went down with an upper-body injury in a 5-4 overtime win against Bridgeport at the XL Center on Saturday. The 21-year-old forward was injured in the second period and didn’t return. He also did not play Sunday. The Wolf Pack (2-1-0-1) have yet to provide an update on his injury.
Othmann, who scored two goals Friday in a 6-5 home win against Springfield, was hurt after a 2-on-1 with linemate Alex Belzile when he was checked by Bridgeport’s Calle Odelius. A scrum ensued and Othmann left the ice.
The 2021 first-round pick has four points (two goals, two assists) in three games after recording four points (one goal, three assists) in six preseason games with the Rangers.
In addition, defenseman Matthew Robertson and forward Nathan Sucese each is day to day with unspecified injuries. Robertson has one assist in three games; Sucese is scoreless in his lone appearance this season.
Related: Brett Berard continues scorching start for Wolf Pack
Hartford Wolf Pack week ahead
Coach Grant Potulny — courtesy Hartford Wolf Pack
Grant Potulny won his first game as Hartford coach on Friday, But the Wolf Pack’s two-game win streak ended Sunday when they were shut out 4-0 by Bridgeport in the second half of a home-and-home set.
Still, taking two of three wasn’t bad, especially with the way Hartford’s offense took flight Friday and Saturday. Forward Brett Berard had a two-goal game Saturday and has four goals and six points in four games. Forward prospect Jaroslav Chmealr broke out with a three-point game (two goals, one assist) on Friday. Bo Groulx had a career-high four points (two goals, two assists) on Saturday.
But the other side of the puck has been a bit troublesome for Hartford, which has allowed 17 goals in four games. As a result, Hartford is tied with Cleveland and Henderson for the third-highest goals against in the AHL. The Wolf Pack have allowed at least four goals in each of their four games.
Potulny mentioned on the Wolf Pack’s pregame show Sunday that improving the overall team defense is a priority. That means cutting down on turnovers, scoring chances and shots on goal. Springfield and Bridgeport each capitalized on numerous defensive mistakes — including sequences where they had too much room and time, and the Hartford defenders were out of position.
Despite a seasoned blue line for the Wolf Pack, Hartford has work to do improving its defensive play. While scoring is not a problem, since Hartford has scored 14 goals, tied for 11th in the AHL (with Syracuse), it cannot sustain having to score four goals or more to win games.
That said, let’s take a look at the week ahead for Hartford.
Friday, October 25 vs Lehigh Valley Phantoms (Flyers) at 7 p.m., XL Center
- This is the second of six meetings this season; Hartford lost 4-3 in a shootout on Oct. 12. Hartford and Lehigh Valley will meet again on Nov. 27.
- Lehigh Valley is 1-2-0 , following the win against Hartford by dropping two games to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, 4-3 and 3-0.
- Samu Tuomaala leads the Phantoms with three points (one goal, two assists). Tuomaala, Anthony Richard, and Rodrigo Abols each had two points against Hartford in the first game.
- Listen – Mixlr. Watch – AHLTV.
Sunday, October 27 vs Springfield Thunderbirds (Blues) at 4 p.m., XL Center
- This is the second of 10 games between the teams this season. Hartford won 6-5 on Oct. 18. Hartford and Springfield will next play on Nov. 26.
- Entering the week, Springfield is 2-3-0. After losing to the Wolf Pack, Springfield split a home-and-home series against Providence, winning 4-2 before losing 3-0.
- Rookies Dylan Peterson and Dalibor Dvorsky are tied for the team lead in points with four. Peterson has four goals (two against Hartford); Dvorsky has two goals and two assists.
- Listen – Mixlr. Watch – AHLTV.
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