Pack Power: Back-to-Back Wins Kickstart Wolf Pack’s Season
By Marvin Azrak
Discover the Hartford Wolf Pack’s red-hot start to the season with thrilling victories over Providence and Springfield. Jonny Brodzinski’s standout performances lead the way against Providence and Springfield. Follow the Pack’s journey to AHL glory.
Hey there, New York Rangers fans! it’s time for a weekend recap from our AHL affiliate in Hartford!
The Hartford Wolf Pack had an incredible weekend, going 2-0-0-0, and they’re off to a fantastic start in the 2023-24 season.
On Friday, they defeated the Providence Bruins 3-2 in a shootout, winning their playoff rematch.
On Saturday, they won the first I-91 series game of the season, clipping the Springfield Thunderbirds (ST Louis Blues affiliate) 3-1, as the teams clashed for the first time since last year’s Wild Card round.
Othmann, Brodzinski Shine Bright in Providence Showdown:
Brennan Othmann made quite the entrance to the American Hockey League, netting two goals on Friday night in Hartford’s season opener against the Providence Bruins, leading them to a thrilling 3-2 shootout victory.
Jonny Brodzinski sealed the deal in the shootout, scoring the winning goal, while Louis Domingue stood tall in the net. This win marked Hartford’s sixth regular-season consecutive victory in Providence. The teams met in last season’s playoffs, where Hartford stunned the top-ranked B’s, winning three of four games.
It was a back-and-forth game, with the Bruins taking an early lead, but Hartford battled back with Othmann’s first AHL goal, making it 1-1. The Bruins went ahead again in the third period, but Othmann, with his second of the night, forced the game into overtime with some late-game heroics.
Overtime saw chances on both ends, but when it came to the shootout, Brodzinski delivered the victory, giving Hartford a 1-0 start to the season.
Brodzinski’s Brilliance Seals Thunderbirds’ Fate:
Brodzinski, the shootout hero against Providence, came through once again. He scored the game-winning goal on a powerplay during the middle stanza, and it was a beauty. Othmann and Mac Hollowell set up the play perfectly, and Brodzinski hammered home a one-timer for his first goal of the season.
What’s more, for the first time this season, the Wolf Pack struck first in a game. Adam Edström and Alex Belzile combined for a fantastic goal, giving Hartford an early lead.
The game was intense, filled with special teams play, and Springfield pushed back hard. But the Wolf Pack’s penalty kill and the impressive play of Dylan Garand in goal held firm with 23 saves, securing the win.