Wolf Pack Weekly: Hartford Shakeup Leads to Optimism
Last weekend was a busy one for the club. There were a couple of roster moves to improve the roster. Hartford last weekend was struggling. However, they broke out of their slump and played better as the week went on. Entering into this week, I am still optimistic for the club. Standings wise, the club is 7th in the Atlantic Division. Let’s not get worried. The first place team, the Wilkes-Barre-Scranton Penguins are ahead of Hartford by eight points. The division is close. The top four of each division reach the playoffs. The club has work to do, but they are not far out. The season still young entering December. Let’s check out a few updates as Hartford prepares for another weekend.
First Call Up From Greenville of the Season
Let’s first start with the new additions from Greenville.
Dawson Leedahl was called up on November 30th in hopes to spark the offense and shake the group up. Dawson Leedahl has been impressive with the Swamp Rabbits. This is his first call up to the season to play in the American Hockey League. He played in two games, but has no impact on the score sheet. However defensively he is trying his best and keeps his play simple. He is a hard worker and finishes every shift.
Adam Cracknell Trade
Adam Cracknell was dealt on November 30th as the New York Rangers traded him to Montreal Canadians. In exchange, New York recieved Peter Holland. This move was a great trade by the organization.
Adam Cracknell was a gritty player. He was not doing much in Hartford and was dead weight. Peter Holland provides a breath of fresh air for Hartford. The trade was to improve the Wolf Pack. Peter Holland is center as well, which bodes well with New York. Petter Holland recorded one shootout goal and one assist in two games. He was a point per game player coming in from the trade.
Marek Mazanec Joins Hartford
The Ranger have signed and assigned goaltender Marek Mazanec to the Wolf Pack. This is another issue that was addressed by Chris Drury. The rookie dual of Alexandar Georgiev and Chris Nell was struggling. They are expected to struggle because they are both first year pros. They will have errors and mistakes and learn from experiences. Both goalies can play well in sprints.
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The addition of Marek Mazanec addresses the need of an experienced goalie. Assuming he will get the starter role, this will additional competition for goalies in Hartford. Both goalies will also learn from him which is positive for development. Overall the move is winning in terms of improving the group along with prospect development. I am looking forward to him playing this weekend!
Hartford will have three goalies for now. Brandon Halverson is in Greenville with the Swamp Rabbits.
Filip Chytil Incident
Last Saturday afternoon against the Toronto Marlies had a scary moment for the young prized prospect. Late in the third, Filip Chytil had an awkward collision with Marlies forward Andreas Johnsson. Filip Chytil left the game. A few days later, it was announced that he will be out day to day. The American Hockey League also suspended Andreas Johnsson for one game resulting form the incident.
https://twitter.com/JeffVeillette/status/937100685409226753
Upcoming Games
- Friday, December 8th vs Providence Bruins (Boston) at 7:05 pm, Dunkin’ Donuts Center
- The second meeting of the season with Providence. This is the first of five trips to Providence for Hartford. The last time both clubs met, Hartford dropped a 5-0 decision against the Bruins. Providence has won four straight. They have won in six of their last seven games as well.
- Saturday, December 9th vs Rochester Americans (Buffalo) at 7:30 pm, XL Center
- The third meeting of the season, already with Rochester! Hartford has played them in Rochester twice, on November 17th and December 1st. In the four game season series, Hartford splits the series 1-1 heading into game three. The Americans come into the week with a point streak of six games.
- Sunday, December 10th vs Springfield Thunderbirds (Florida) at 5:00 pm, XL Center
- The sixth meeting between both clubs. Springfield has won two straight in the season series. The Thunderbirds lost two straight coming into the week, but have gone 6-4 in the last 10 games. Springfield’s away record is also 2-9-1, with one victory in Hartford.
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