Wolf Pack Weekly: Holiday Break Deserved for Hartford
The boys are on holiday break. The group headed home on Saturday night for five days to enjoy themselves and relax with their families.
Unfortunately, the group was unable to continue their point streak. Last Wednesday was a thriller as Hartford won the game in overtime against Lehigh Valley, 5-4. Friday night was just as fun as the Wolf Pack lit the Providence Bruins, 6-4. Then Saturday, well, lets say did not go to plan. Bridgeport rolled over Hartford, 5-1.
The nine game point streak went south. However, I believe there is no need to worry as the boys will regroup after break. Entering this weekend, Hartford is ranked sixth in the Atlantic Division with a record of 13-13-3-3 for 32 points, a .500 point percentage. Hartford is close to the fifth place Bridgeport Sound Tigers. Bridgeport is 15-12-2-1 for 33 points, a .550 point percentage. The standings are based upon the point percentages. Hartford can make noise the upcoming weekend if Bridgeport struggles.
Peter Holland Suspension
On Saturday afternoon Peter Holland slashed a Sound Tigers forward prior to a neutral zone face off. That caused ruckus of course. Peter Holland received two minutes for slashing plus five for fighting. The league further disciplined the center as he was suspended two games for his action. Peter Holland will miss Friday against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton-Penguins and Saturday against the Springfield Thunderbirds. The play and his actions was unusual to see.
Roster Moves
On Thursday afternoon, the Rangers announced the call up of Vinni Lettieri. Vinni Lettieri is the most consistent player out of Hartford. I am happy for his earned call up and I have faith that he will do well under the spotlight. Chris Kreider’s injury was announced as well, and he is out indefintely. Vinni Lettieri could be a long term call up. We shall see.
Chris Langkow signed a professional tryout agreement on the same day as well. He played with the Worcester Railers of the ECHL. In 25 games, the forward notched 9 goals, 15 assists for 24 points.
Branden Troock also joined the club through a professional tryout agreement. The twenty three year old joined from Greenville. In 29 games with the Swamp Rabbits, the right winger recorded 14 goals, 19 assists for 33 points.
Hartford’s roster will be different this upcoming weekend. We shall see the performance of the new players.
Notes
- Marek Mazanec started in five straight games in net, going 4-0-0-1. The veteran goalie has been strong for the club. He certainly gives a boost in net.
- Anthony DeAngelo’s point streak was snapped at six games. However, had a strong bought on Saturday against Bridgeport. You can check it out here.
Upcoming Games
Friday, December 29th vs Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (Pittsburgh) at 7:05 pm, Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza
- The Penguins lost two straight coming into the contest. After a strong dominating start, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton is struggling. They have dropped the last seven of ten games. Last time out, Hartford recorded a 7-3 victory against the Penguins. Will that happen again? I would hope.
Saturday, December 30th vs Springfield Thunderbirds (Florida) at 7:00 pm, XL Center
- Hartford is 3-3-0-1 in the season series against Springfield. Curtis Valk and Juho Lammikko of Springfield are the players to watch. They both have six points against Hartford in the season series. This is also the last game of the calendar year 2017. Hartford can end the year with a bang.
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