Mid-Season Prospect Update - Hartford WolfPack (New York Rangers)
As we approach the halfway point of the American Hockey League season, Hartford is down but not out in the fierce Atlantic Division. Games for the Pack have had an up and down motion. There were moments where the club was out of a playoff spot – sitting at fourth place – by one point, but as the AHL resumes action post-AllStar break Hartford sits eight points out of the postseason in last place in the division.
The Wolf Pack must win games throughout the stretch of the season to keep the season interesting in Hartford; as the second half of the season. The group must play consistent if they want to climb the standings. Analyzing the roster as a whole, the team continues to be inconsistent. There are games where the Pack dominate and play well (especially against Providence). Then there are nights where Hartford struggles (especially against Bridgeport). In both season series alone, the Pack displays both traits. Either the group plays well or gets behind quick in the rivalry contests. Goaltending continues to be the bright spot for Hartford with the veteran presence of both Dustin Tokarski and Marek Mazanec. This goalie duo consistently keeps the Pack in games where the defense is lacking. The offense is inconsistent, but has the capability to get hot. Who provides what element to the game?
Let’s get down to business. Observations are of players that are active on the current roster.
NOTE: All Stats up to and including January 31st.
Goalies
Dustin Tokarski (10-5-2), 2.90 GAA, .907 SV%*, 1 SO
The veteran has become the starting goalie for the Pack. Despite two veterans holding the crease, Dustin Tokarski was given the nod against tougher teams over Marek Mazanec. At one point of the season, Dustin Tokarski played in six straight games for Hartford. To top that, he’s won eight of his last ten starts. That’s impressive. He gives the Pack highlight-worthy saves and continues to be the difference maker in close games when the defense struggles. He is a hidden gem on the roster that continues to give opposing teams trouble.
Marek Mazanec (7-6-3), 3.05 GAA, .899 SV%
There was a point during the first half of the season where this vet didn’t play a game for a month. Despite the limited playing time spanning from mid-November to mid-December, he has performed well. In his first game back, Marek Mazanec held off the Rochester Americans for a strong Hartford win. The veteran can perform. However, when Dustin Tokarski gets hot in net, head coach Keith McCambridge relies heavily on the him, making Mazanec the steady but reliable backup
Defense
John Gilmour (14G-20A, -7, 29 PIM in 45 Games Played)
The talented blue line prospect continues to showcase his offensive talents as he leads the Pack in points. Once the Rangers prospect becomes hot, he goes on lengthy point streaks. For instance, he had a six-game point streak earlier in the season, earning him the opportunity to represent Hartford in the AHL All Star game; this is his second appearance in three years.
Chris Bigras (3G-16A, +8, 32 PIM in 45 Games Played)
Bigras is not offensive minded, but manages to pitch in assists when needed. He does the simple work on the ice. He positions himself well, blocks shots and becomes aggressive when necessary – all the necessary tasks of a professional defenseman. He gives opponents a tough time, especially on the penalty kill.
Brandon Crawley (3G-9A, -13, 43 PIM in 31 Games Played)
Brandon Crawley plays a depth role in defensive pairings, adding an edge to the game that veterans in front of him don’t have. Despite the gritty style of play, he plays well with Rangers prospect, Libor Hajek, you’ll hear more about him below. Crawley is able to drop the gloves when needed and plays affectively. He is able to push players out of the crease and pitch in with assists.
Rob O’Gara (3G-8A, +7, 54 PIM in 43 Games Played)
The veteran defenseman has his ups and downs. He often attempts to step up, but he falls short. He misreads a few plays and has errors on others which resulted in goals against. The veteran is able to handle himself well and the Pack hopes he can bounce back in the second half of the season.
Libor Hajek (0G-5A, -18, 30 PIM in 45 Games Played)
The prized Rangers prospect showed signs of offensive production in the junior leagues, but the AHL is a big jump from juniors. However in the AHL, he has not produced much offensively. Despite that, he handles both ends of the ice effectively and is able to keep his moral high regardless of the situation. He is willing to learn and adapt at a fast pace, and his defensive aspect of the game is progressing. Eventually, his offense will as well. Rangers fans needs to be patient in his development, as it is just beginning.
Sean Day (0G-1A, -9, in 17 Games Played)
Sean Day has spent most of his time in Maine with the Rangers ECHL affiliate. The Rangers prospect has struggled in Hartford and was the odd man out on most nights. The combination of the two had him assigned to the Mariners. He has done well offensively with Maine. Since joining Hartford again, he has played in a few instances. He is adapting to the AHL level but is not noticeable on the ice. I need to see him play more to elaborate more on his development.
Forwards
Peter Holland (17G-27A, -5, 50 PIM in 43 Games Played)
Peter Holland has himself a great couple of months. Since finding his game, the veteran forward has produced greatly for the Wolf Pack, passing ex-teammate Cole Schneider for team leader in points. He has lengthy point streaks, but has failed to go more than three games in a row since November.
Ville Meskanen (9G-17A, +3, 6 PIM in 39 Games Played)
The Rangers prospect has shown production and has kept his play consistent. If he does not produce, he is able to play defensive with being in the away of opposing players and picking the puck away to help Hartford go the other way. He has done better than expected thus far.
Steven Fogarty (10G-16A, -9, 30 PIM in 35 Games Played)
The experienced forward started the season well offensively, but since then has tapered off. His production slowed after he was recalled by New York and then returned to Hartford. Since then, he has not found the back of the net much. When Fogarty finds his game, watch out. On the defensive portion, he continues to win face offs well and is dependable on the penalty kill.
Vinni Lettieri (12G-13A, -8, 14 PIM in 26 Games Played)
Vinni Lettieri found himself doing well right off the bat since joining Hartford midseason. The forward is able to produce and win draws. He also has speed and noticeable moves that allow him to set up or finish plays. The young prospect continues to develop.
Matt Beleskey (4G-13A, -1, 33 PIM in 26 Games Played)
His game has grown on me. The veteran is able to help put up points as a depth forward while providing grit and toughness in the lineup. He plays with aggression and protects his teammates when needed. He is a well-rounded player that Hartford has benefited from.
Tim Gettinger (9G-8A, -11, 19 PIM in 35 Games Played)
The forward was out for a lengthy period after his first pro fight in November. Since his return, Gettinger has yet to find his game. Prior to his injury, the forward had a good start to his rookie year in the AHL. He has plenty of development left. He has the ability to become a player that Hartford can depend on due to his size and his effective use of it.
Gabriel Fontaine (6G-13A, +8, 12 PIM in 42 Games Played)
The Rangers prospect continues to fly under the radar. He wins face offs and takes on defensive roles with the Pack. The prospect was not used much for the power play. I believe he can show off more of his skills if was given more opportunities that was not defensive minded.
Lias Andersson (6G-12A, -14, 21 PIM in 27 Games Played)
When Andersson was sent down to Hartford, he was a solid player. However, as the season progressed, he has become quieter production wise. The talented Rangers prospect continues to find his game on both ends of the ice. He has potential to light up the league and the opponents. Despite not being able to produce numbers, Andersson is working on other aspects of the game and is doing well in development. It is not all about points.
Bobby Butler (7G-10A, - 17, 14 PIM in 43 Games Played)
The veteran brought in during the off-season has struggled in his moments of the game. He is not consistent. He is quiet on the ice and has yet to step up for Hartford when he needs to. However, he has time to turn it around.
Connor Brickley (8G-7A, -8, 20 PIM in 45 Games Played)
Connor Brickley debuted with Hartford on January 18 th against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. From the trade analysis, his change of scenery could benefit the forward. He has experience in the AHL and is able to produce a good amount of points. He also provides a rough edge to the game and is gritty.
Shawn O’Donnell (5G-3A, +9, 26 PIM in 31 Games Played)
The veteran is doing his job well as a depth forward for the Pack. While mainly playing on the fourth line, he is still able to generate good passing plays. For instance, when Cole Schneider was demoted to the fourth line, the ex-captain found his spark with the plays produced by O’Donnell and Shawn St. Amant.
Ryan Gropp (3G-5A, -10, 6 PIM in 32 Games Played)
Ryan Gropp has struggled in the AHL and found his offensive game with Maine. He is still developing but has not found his spark, yet. The prospect is still developing and needs more seasoning before he takes on bigger roles.
Shawn St. Amant (1G-3A, -1, 18 PIM in 24 Games Played)
The forward has spent time in Hartford and Maine. He contributes on the fourth line with O’Donnell and is capable of producing good passing plays. He does the small stuff on ice when needed.
Terrence Wallin (0G-0A, -4, 7 PIM in 13 Games Played)
The forward has spent time mainly with Maine. He has been a good call up when the Pack are short players. He keeps his play simple and plays defensive.
Dawson Leedahl (0G-0A, +1, 16 PIM in 23 Games Played)
Dawson Leedahl has not registered a point yet. The forward has found solid production in the ECHL with Maine. However, on the AHL level he has not found anything to spark his offense. On the defensive side, the forward is able to block shots and plays with an edge, attempting to get the puck out of the zone and generate a quick chance that catches opponents off guard.
