Ricky's Report: Hartford Wolf Pack February 2022

Hartford, CT - The Hartford Wolf Pack continue to face adversity in their journey to the 2021-22 Calder Cup Playoffs.

The month of February featured high and lows as the club secure a 5-4-1 record for the month.

Despite injuries and call ups, Hartford continues to be strong in the Atlantic Division with the help of a deep roster from top to bottom. One of the most recent struggles is offensively as Hartford’s production has been spotty.

The defense and goaltending aspect of the club continues to be solid regardless of player movement.

Jonny Brodzinski, Tanner Fritz Extended

Announced on February 28th, the New York Rangers extended Hartford’s captain Jonny Brodzinski for an additional two years.

The Wolf Pack will have stability in their leadership as Brodzinski brings in significant experience for the Rangers prospects. The veteran continues to have a great season for production (18 goals, 21 assists for 39 points in 36 games) and has lead by example numerous of times this season.

From the standpoint of New York, Brodzinski is also a good depth forward to have if the organization is depleted. Brodzinski earned his contract extension mid-season as Hartford continues to be in good hands by Rangers management.

Announced on March 4th, Tanner Fritz remains in Hartford for another season through an American Hockey League (AHL) deal.

Fritz is another veteran that is reliable for the club, from experience to his expertise in the face-off circle. The veteran is another quality leader to have and is another good offensive plug for Hartford’s roster. Through 43 games, Fritz notched seven goals, 20 assists for 27 points in 43 games. While he has good offensive numbers, Fritz is also productive in the defensive end, giving opponents difficulties and is able to help transition Hartford from defense to offense.

Building the roster for the 2022-23 campaign is off to a great start for Hartford. Building the roster with two quality players is promising. The organization is being proactive to ensure the group remains competitive after this season. You have to give some credit to the Rangers front office for that.

More Than Just Stats: Adam Huska

The 24 year old goaltender is having a great season in Hartford under the backup role of Hartford’s coaching staff.

Kris Knoblauch rotates Huska and Kinkaid on a regular basis to ensure they both get playing time within a week, with Kinkaid taking a heavier workload.

The split is ideal as both goalies remain sharp to give Hartford a fighting chance to win. This also ensures both goalies are not worn out when the playoffs begin.

If you look at Adam Huska’s stats, they seem not impressive (6-6-4, 2.39 goals against average, .915 save percentage). One would say he is struggling.

However, in fact, Huska is the opposite. Despite a “struggling” record, the goaltender has performed well this season.

The Wolf Pack had trouble in front of Huska this season, with hiccups on defense or not playing a complete game. Huska has played fantastic and continued to up his game as the season has progressed. He's secured wins in three of his last six starts and deserves more credit than what his stats say. The goaltender is able to make high quality saves and has shown he can handle pressure.

While his results seem mixed, Huska is able to give the Hartford quality goaltending.

Streaky Ty Ronning

After a slow start to the season and clicking in portions of the first half of the season, Ronning found himself once again on a tear in the late stretch of February.

The 24 year old forward surpassed his season high in points (18) in February and is currently at 27 points (12 goals, 15 assists in 45 games). Ronning had a long journey in his early stages, where he was unable to stick in the lineup and mainly played in the ECHL.

Beginning last season, Ronning showed jump to his game and played solid to earn himself a contract extension for this season.  He continued to show determination, heart, and soul this season as well. In fact, Ronning has played on the second line majority of the season, overcoming a bit of adversity since working his way up from the ECHL.

Ronning has points in the last five of eight games (three goals, five assists).  He continues to be streaky, but when he gets buzzing, he will kick start the offense. When he’s cold, he still plays well defensively and will continue to generate opportunities.

While he may not produce nightly, Ronning is still a good depth player that is dependable for offense.His contract expires at the conclusion of this season. So far Hartford has two players extended. He could be another player returning as well, considering the efforts he gives on a nightly basis that you cannot miss.

Cristiano DiGiacinto’s Gritty Game

After Hartford released Pierre-Cedric Labrie earlier in the season, DiGiacinto is the lone forward that focuses on grit and physicality when he plays. When DiGiacinto is on the ice, he is noticeable, especially in close games where it's physical with hits and plenty of collisions along the boards. He was instrumental in a game against Rochester in February as Hartford had to grind out the two points for the win.

In addition to his physical game play, the forward is not afraid to drop the gloves and provide a spark to Hartford. DiGiacinto is able to play with an edge physically and has not been afraid to stir the pot against opponents. Furthermore, he tries to throw off opponents while on ice with his checks, stick, or being in the away. He tries to get opponents frustrated after whistles as well.

Future Outlook

Hartford will have a tough stretch in the month of March as the club is wrapping up their three game home-stand before going on a five game road-trip.

They will be going on their first Canadian trip of the season and face a good amount of teams in the North Division. If they drop games, they will not be giving away points to opponents in the Atlantic Division. However, Hartford has to maintain production in the standings if they want a shot at earning a top-two finish in the Atlantic and securing that first round bye in the process.

Hartford will conclude the season series of Springfield and Hershey as well, which are key games later on in the month.

A lot could change next month, considering the frequent changes of position in the Atlantic Division. Stay tuned.