Wolf Pack power-play boosted by Brennan Othmann to start season
The Hartford Wolf Pack’s first regular-season game with new coach Grant Potulny is in the rearview mirror. After a 4-3 shootout loss to Lehigh Valley last Saturday, Hartford seeks its first win of the season with three opportunities this weekend.
The Wolf Pack play three games in three days, a tough early season test, though two of the games will be played on home ice.
Despite losing to Lehigh Valley, Hartford battled back from 2-1 and 3-2 deficits in the third period to secure one point in the standings. Alex Belzile, Brennan Othmann, and Casey Fitzgerald each recorded two-point games and Louis Domingue made 45 saves in the season opener.
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Brennan Othmann’s pivotal role on Wolf Pack power play
Othmann led the charge for the Wolf Pack’s offense in the opener with two assists, each on the power play. In addition to his production, the 21-year old forward led Hartford with four shots on goal. After getting a long look with the Rangers in the preseason, Othmann made noise to become the first forward recalled from Hartford when needed.
Despite his three penalties in a wild contest that featured eight power plays for each side, Othmann had a noticeable game and picked up where he left off from last year, when he scored 21 goals and was fourth among AHL rookies with 49 points. The 2021 first-round pick led Hartford in power-play goals with 10 and was ranked 14th in the League in that category last season.
Saturday, he was the power-play playmaker for Brett Berard and Fitzgerald.
Too many penalties, PK unit struggles
Shifting attention to the penalties and penalty kill, Hartford killed 5 of 8 calls against them. The Phantom’s opportunities were a turning point in the game, especially in the second period when they scored twice. As a result, the PK unit was fatigued and Domingue bailed them out numerous times, as the Wolf Pack were outshot 49-25.
Looking ahead, we will have to see how the Wolf Pack respond with the lack of discipline. While aggressiveness is important, they must address the risk and play smarter. Otherwise, this will inhibit offensive production. There may be tweaks to the penalty kill as well, especially with Potulny finding the right chemistry and combinations.
Wolf Pack’s First Look of Lines
Always subject to change, the Wolf Pack rolled out a lineup with grit and size.
A noticeable scratch was center Bryce McConnell-Barker, though he’s expected to be inserted into the lineup this weekend. Furthermore, when the Rangers get healthy, a forward and defenseman will make their way to Connecticut’s capital. With Ryan Lindgren close to returning, the Wolf Pack could have another defenseman option soon, perhaps even by this weekend. Victor Mancini’s strong start to the season will make Chris Drury’s decision a difficult task. A Mancini re-assignment will not require waivers. However, if the Rangers elect to send another player such as Chad Ruhwedel down, he is subject to waivers. Furthermore, there has to be a balance of playing time for Mancini as he continues to grow as a promising prospect.
Rangers forward Jimmy Vesey is on LTIR, so he must miss the first 10 games of the season. That means Hartford won’t be getting a forward — likely Matt Rempe or Adam Edstrom — any time soon.
Transactions
The Wolf Pack’s first two transactions of the season were announced on Monday evening.
Hartford no has 15 forwards on the roster. The recall of Hugo Ollas could be an indication of a possible injury or uncertainty to Domingue or Dylan Garand. Or it could be that the organization wants to see each goalie play, what with three games in three nights this weekend.
Upcoming Games
Friday, October 18th vs Springfield Thunderbirds (Blues) at 7pm, XL Center
- This is the first of 10 games in the season series. Hartford and Springfield split the series 5-5-0 -0 last season.
- Entering the week, Springfield is 1-1-0-0 with a win against Laval and a loss to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
- Blues rookie Dalibor Dvorsky and veteran forward Mackenzie MacEachern each recorded two points (goal, assist) in two games.
- Listen – Mixlr. Watch – AHLTV.
Saturday, October 19th vs Bridgeport Islanders (New York) at 6pm, XL Center
- This is the first of 10 games in the season series. Hartford won the season series 7-2-0-1 last season.
- Entering the week, Bridgeport is 0-2-0-0, losing games to Providence and Charlotte to begin the season. The Islanders have a tilt Wednesday against Hershey prior to visiting Hartford.
- The Islanders have scored just two goals in their first two games, scored by veteran NHL forward Pierre Engvall and Brian Pinho. Bridgeport scored twice against Providence before getting shut out by Charlotte.
- Listen – Mixlr. Watch – AHLTV.
Sunday, October 20th vs Bridgeport Islanders at 3pm, Total Mortgage Arena
- The second meeting in the season series and first visit in Bridgeport, concludes this weekend home-and-home set. They will next play each other Nov. 24 at the XL Center.
- Listen – Mixlr. Watch – AHLTV.
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