Hartford Wolf Pack Weekly: Jaroslav Chmelař, Dylan Roobroeck step up in rookie pro seasons
The Hartford Wolf Pack’s three game point streak (2-0-0-1) was snapped Sunday in a 5-2 loss to Providence. The New York Rangers AHL affiliate’s lone win last week was against Springfield, a 4-3 shootout victory Friday. They also recorded a point against Utica on Saturday in a 3-2 shootout loss.
The seventh-place Wolf Pack (22-26-5-2, 51 points) are nine points behind sixth-place Springfield for the final playoff spot in the American Hockey League’s Atlantic Division. The Wolf Pack’s road to the playoffs remains a difficult path with 17 games remaining.
Related: “Fiery” Brett Berard scores, impresses in return to Rangers lineup
Hartford Wolf Pack news-n-notes
Jaroslav Chmelař blooms
Jaroslav Chmelař has five points (two goals, three assists) in his past four games, taking advantage of increased playing time since forwards Brennan Othmann and Brett Berard were recalled by the Rangers.
The 21-year-old utilizes his speed and size (6-foot-5, 220 pounds) well in his rookie pro season. He was able to break out with a three-point game against Providence on Feb. 22 and has shown increased potential of late. Furthermore, he defends well, and could turn into a useful two-way player. Chmelař has shown strong puck movement, allowing his linemates to capitalize on chances, plus he positions himself well. In fact, his goal against Springfield on Feb. 28 was due to his positioning since he was able to tap the puck in from a pass by Jake Leschyshyn.
Through 54 games, Chmelař, a fifth-round pick in the 2021 draft, has 22 points (eight goals, 14 assists), sixth best on the Wolf Pack.
Dylan Roobroeck finds consistency
Dylan Roobroeck is becoming an impactful player as his rookie pro season progresses. The 20-year-old registered a goal in back-to-back games and focused on the little aspects of his craft. For instance, he’s finding consistency by being at the right spot to receive passes, and not hesitating to get the puck on net. Furthermore, Roobroeck is also beginning to use his size (6-foot-7, 205 pounds) efficiently, out-muscling opponents in front of opposing goalies. For example, his screen allowed Connor Mackey to register a goal on Feb. 19 against Springfield.
On defense, Roobroeck is improving. He negated a breakaway opportunity against Utica on Saturday from behind and was not called for a penalty (initially was). Furthermore, he keeps his game simple, and is adept at blocking passing lanes. As a result, he helps the Wolf Pack transition from defense to offense. He is not afraid to get in the dirty areas or forecheck. Roobroeck also dropped the gloves in consecutive games, showing he’s active in all fronts of the game.
Through 55 games, the 2023 sixth-round pick has 21 points (10 goals, 11 assists).
Brandon Scanlin returns from injury
The Wolf Pack’s blue line received a boost when Brandon Scanlin returned from injury. After missing three games, the 25-year-old defenseman made an immediate impact to a depleted defense corps, especially in a shutdown role.
His return comes at a time when the Wolf Pack lack depth on the back end. Currently, Erik Brännström remains out day to day while Ben Harpur is out long-term. In addition, with Matthew Robertson in New York, Hartford is playing two ECHL defensemen nightly.
Upcoming Games
All games can be watched on AHLTV and listened on Mixlr.
Wednesday, March 5 vs Bridgeport Islanders (New York) at 7pm, XL Center
- This is the seventh of 10 meetings in the season series. Hartford is 4-2-0-0.
- Bridgeport is 12-36-3-3 for 30 points. They are seventh in the Atlantic Division and 15th in the Eastern Conference. The Islanders have lost five straight (0-4-0-1).
- Chris Terry leads the Islanders with 50 points (16 goals, 34 assists). Next is Brian Pinho with 37 points (21 goals, 16 assists).
Friday, March 7 vs Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (Pittsburgh) at 7pm, XL Center
- This is the fifth of six meetings in the season series. Hartford is winless (0-4-0-0).
- Wilkes-Barre/Scranton is 29-14-7-1 for 66 points. They are third in the Atlantic Division and fifth in the Eastern Conference. The Penguins are 3-3-3-1 in their past 10 games.
- Ville Koivunen leads the Penguins with 48 points (17 goals, 31 assists). Next is Boris Katchouk with 44 points (19 goals, 25 assists).
Sunday, March 5 vs Belleville Senators (Ottawa) at 5pm, XL Center
- This is the second and final meeting this season. Hartford lost to Belleville 6-5 in overtime on Jan. 29.
- Belleville is 24-19-4-4 for 56 points. They are sixth in the North Division and 12th in the Eastern Conference. The Senators are 5-3-2-0 in their past 10 games.
- Stephen Halliday leads the Senators with 39 points (15 goals, 24 assists). Next is Jeremy Daives with 37 points (eight goals, 29 assists).
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