Hartford Wolf Pack Battle Adversity Despite Injuries
By Marvin Azrak
Hartford Wolf Pack faces adversity head-on, displaying resilience amid injuries. Follow their gripping journey in the battle against challenges on the ice
The injuries to Adam Fox, Filip Chytil, and Igor Shesterkin affected the New York Rangers and the Hartford Wolf Pack.
In the fierce Atlantic Division competition, they’re holding onto a solid playoff position, currently sitting in third place with a 6-2-1 record and 13 points. The reigning Calder Cup champion Hershey Bears (Washington Capitals affiliate, 8-3) and Springfield Thunderbirds (ST Louis Blues affiliate, 7-5) might be leading. Still, it’s a tight race, with just a few points separating the teams from the top to the seventh spot.
Despite facing adversity this past weekend, the Wolf Pack showed resilience. With call-ups and injuries, they managed to snag 3 out of 4 points and extended their points streak to three games (2-0-1).
Last weekend, injuries hit hard, and the situation got even trickier with recalls from the Rangers, leaving the Wolf Pack short on reinforcements. Playing with 14 forwards and 5 defensemen, they faced off against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, battling injuries yet still securing a point in the 5-4 overtime loss. The effort was almost heroic considering the circumstances, with goalie Dylan Garand making 33 saves and the defense fending off the Phantoms’ constant pressure.
Saturday’s game brought some reinforcements, and the Wolf Pack pulled off a solid 3-2 win against the Utica Comets (New Jersey Devils affiliate). Despite the depleted roster, they kept it simple, converting on the power play and showcasing a solid defensive game. It was a well-deserved win for a team that knows how to rally.
Mac Hollowell: Defensive Dynamo:
One person who’s stood out is Max Hollowell. The 25-year-old defenseman is on fire, notching his first goal of the season against Utica. With a point in every game, Hollowell boasts 10 points in 9 matches. His ability to quarterback the power play and maintain discipline on the ice is paying off, with only five penalties to his name. He’s currently ranked 3rd among AHL defensemen in points. He’s just 3 points away from taking the lead.
Dylan Garand: Rising Goaltending Star:
In the absence of Louis Domingue, the 21-year-old Dylan Garand stepped up as the starting goaltender in back-to-back games before being called up to the big leagues in a backup role on Wednesday. The prospect, showing strides in his game, stopped 47 of 54 shots and boasted a 3-1-1 record with a 2.63 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage in 5 games.
Brett Berard: Rookie Sensation:
Don’t overlook the impressive performance of 21-year-old rookie Brett Berard. With two assists over the weekend, this first-year pro showcased his dynamic offensive skill set and a mean shot. His contributions were vital in securing points in both outings, highlighting a promising start to his professional career with the Wolf Pack.