Hartford Wolf Pack Weekly: Ben Harpur out long term; Brett Berard heats up with Brennan Othmann
The Hartford Wolf Pack had mixed results last week (1-1-1-0). Their lone win was against Bridgeport on Wednesday, led by Brennan Othmann’s two goal performance in a 4-3 overtime thriller. The New York Rangers AHL affiliate followed up by losing two games in Charlotte, shut out 3-0 on Saturday and losing in overtime 4-3 on Sunday.
The seventh-place Wolf Pack (20-23-5-1, 46 points) are five points behind sixth-place Springfield for the final playoff spot in the Atlantic Division. The Wolf Pack are in striking distance since they secured points in three of four games (2-1-1-0).
Related: Ryan Lindgren decision, Rangers options on defense ahead of NHL Trade Deadline
Hartford Wolf Pack news-n-notes
Ben Harpur – Photo courtesy Hartford Wolf Pack
Ben Harpur out long term, impacts defense corps
Ben Harpur has battled injuries the past two two seasons, and now the 30-year-old defenseman will be out month to month. Originally listed as day-to-day since Jan. 24, Harpur’s upper-body injury appears to be a bigger concern. This is a big blow to the defense corps, who will once again miss the veteran’s rugged presence and leadership on the blue line. In addition, Hartford coach Grant Potulny must find stability in the defense pairings, which have gone through changes because of injuries and much roster movement.
Harpur has 48 penalty minutes and five points (one goal, four assists) in 29 games this season. He missed all but seven games last season due to injury.
Brett Berard heats up
Brett Berard – Photo courtesy Hartford Wolf Pack
Since returning to the lineup from injury on Feb. 7, Brett Berard is heating up. The 22-year-old forward has six points (one goal, five assists) in four games. Despite playing 19 games with the Rangers, Berard is tied for third on Hartford with 23 points and is third with 14 assists.
Berard is currently thriving on a line with Brennan Othmann and Jake Leschyshyn. He and Othmann have combined for 11 points (five goals, six assists) in four games, which must make Rangers brass happy. Either or both could be call-ups down the stretch this season.
Othmann is fourth on the Wolf Pack with 12 goals despite missing more than two months this season with an upper-body injury. The 22-year-old has scored nine goals in his past 11 games, including four in his past three.
Wolf Pack must commit to their identity
The Wolf Pack were known to outwork their opponents in the past two seasons. This identity must be reinforced by Potulny. This season’s struggles stem from lack of consistency. For instance, in the Wolf Pack’s win against Bridgeport, they outworked the Islanders, outshot them 25-7 in the third period, remained disciplined, and won puck battles.
Shifting to their last two losses, Hartford recorded a season low of 18 shots in each defeat and were outworked by Charlotte. In fact, they were outshot 74-36. Taking eight penalties limits the offensive zone time and cause for a momentum shift. The lack of playing to their identity is a downfall this season. As a result, they dug a hole they need to get out of if they want to make the playoffs. They need a more consistent effort the final 23 games.
Upcoming Games
All games can be watched on AHLTV and listened on Mixlr.
Wednesday, February 19 vs Springfield Thunderbirds (St. Louis) at 7:05pm, MassMutual Center
- This is the ninth of 10 meetings in the season series. Hartford is 2-6-0-0.
- Springfield is 23-19-2-3 for 51 points. They are sixth in the Atlantic Division and tied for 10th (with Syracuse) in the Eastern Conference. The Thunderbirds are 6-2-0-2 in their past 10 games. However, they lost two straight in regulation.
- Matthew Peca leads the Thunderbirds with 39 points (18 goals, 21 assists) and is tied for 18th in the AHL. Next is Matt Luff with 36 points (15 goals, 21 assists).
Friday, February 21 vs Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins at 7pm, XL Center
- This is the fourth of six meetings this season. Hartford is 0-3-0-0.
- Wilkes-Barre/Scranton is 27-12-5-1 for 60 points. They are second in the Atlantic Division and tied for fourth (with Cleveland) in the Eastern Conference. The Penguins are 6-2-1-1 in their past 10 games.
- Emil Bemstrom leads the Penguins with 44 points (20 goals, 24 assists) and is tied for third in the AHL. Next is Ville Koivunen with 39 points (15 goals, 24 assists).
Saturday, February 22 vs Providence Bruins (Boston) at 6pm, XL Center
- This is the seventh of 10 meetings in the season series. Hartford is 2-4-0-0.
- Providence is 27-16-4-1 for 59 points. They are tied for third in the Atlantic Division and tied for sixth in the Eastern Conference (both with Charlotte). The Bruins are 6-3-1-0 in their past 10 games.
- Georgii Merkulov leads the Bruins with 41 points (12 goals, 29 assists) and is tied for 13th in the AHL. Next is Vinni Lettieri with 37 points (15 goals, 22 assists).
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