Wolf Pack Ready To Contend In Atlantic Division

Hartford, CT - The Wolf Pack battled adversity and challenges throughout the month of January. Despite playing against tougher teams in the Eastern Conference in the last few weeks, the Wolf Pack compiled a 6-5-1 record to stay afloat in the competitive Atlantic Division.

The depth players on the roster had significant opportunities to develop further and help push the club further. While Hartford’s top players were out of the lineup due to the taxi squad that was formed by the National Hockey League, the depth players were rewarded with more ice time, situations, and confidence.

January was the best time for the group to face adversity as this will build character and bulk up the roster as the second half of the season commences.

The Wolf Pack had reinforcements in a few games as well from their top performers.

Jonny Brodzinski remained a dominant player despite missing games for Hartford.

Zac Jones did not miss a beat when he was plugged into the lineup.

The players on the taxi squad have had an immediate impact for the Wolf Pack regardless when they are inserted. The next few months will be exciting for Hartford fans as the Wolf Pack are battling for one of the top spots in the Atlantic Division.

Entering the month of February, the top four spots are separated by a few points. A winning or losing streak could setback one of the four teams in competition for tops in the division.

The Springfield Thunderbirds held the top spot in the first half of the season up until January. The Providence Bruins and Hershey Bears claimed first a couple of times as well.

The Wolf Pack currently sit as first entering February 9th.

Austin Rueschhoff Dominates in Opportunity

The 24 year old prospect had a fantastic January. The forward was given more ice time and opportunities that he made most of. The 12 games in January provided growth for the prospect, as Rueschhoff was consistent offensively and was a strong presence in the defensive zone. The prospect recorded six goals and three assists in January and registered goals in four straight games (six goals).

In fact, Rueschhoff had back to back games where he scored twice (against Laval and Toronto). For a rookie in the American Hockey League ( AHL), Rueschhoff was impressive in his stints when the roster was depleted.

The forward will be buzzing with confidence as we enter the second half of the season. Gaining the confidence and sharpening up his skill set will help Hartford as the Wolf Pack will be able to roll out lines that are able to provide an impact to the game.

The Hidden Element of Tanner Fritz

The veteran continues to provide an impact to the lineup regardless where he plays in. Fritz continued his offensive production despite the constant change of the roster.

While he may not register goals on a nightly basis, the veteran is a strong play-maker for the Wolf Pack, giving the group solid passes and helping set up the offensive sequences for the Wolf Pack. When the opportunity is given, he is able to bury goals at timely moments and is a strong player to have for face-offs.

The Wolf Pack were tested in that category as Hartford did not have the service of Morgan Barron and other centers throughout January.

Fritz is Hartford’s quiet, but strong player to have in the lineup. He plays with discipline and utilizes his experiences in the past to help mentor the current Rangers prospects.

Keith Kinkaid Rolls

The veteran goalie is superb in each game he contends in. Kinkaid continues to provide strong saves and have helped keep Hartford in games throughout the tough stretch of January.

The goaltender produced his first shutout of the season on January 15th against the Laval Rocket (4-0 win).

Kinkaid is up to 14 wins in the season. That ranks the goaltender fourth in wings in the AHL. Kinkaid ranks 12th for his save percentage (.913) and 13th for the lowest goals against average (2.55).

The veteran brings all what you can ask for in net for Hartford. The goaltender has done it all for the club this season. Kinkaid enters the month as the 13th busiest goaltender in the AHL, participating in 1084:08 of game action.

Changes on the Blue Line

Braden Schneider earned himself a call up in early January after playing a strong defensive game in Hartford to start the season. The defenseman provides strength and physicality to the lineup, which has given opponents difficulties this season. Since his call up, Schneider has performed well for the Rangers.

While Hartford lost a strong defenseman, they received Nils Lundkvist from New York to give the prospect additional playing time. The swap of defenseman was seamless for the club.

Lundkvist provides additional offensive power to the lineup and he has played well in his seven games with the Wolf Pack.

The defenseman has a strong offensive mind and set up passes well, especially on the power play.

Pairing Zac Jones with him provided a strong combination for Hartford’s top line as both players are able to play well in all areas of the ice. As Hartford lost a more stay at home defenseman, they received reinforcement on the offensive aspect, especially with a player that is able to play a two way game.

Jarred Tinordi joins Hartford after he was assigned to the club when clearing waivers. Tinordi’s first stint was through a conditioning stint with Hartford in December. The veteran will bring a physical element to the group along with further experience. The Wolf Pack started the season with a young, talented blue line that lacked experience as Anthony Bitetto was the lone veteran.

Hartford will now have the services of Jeff Taylor and Jarred Tinordi. The group will have to find the right balance and rotation as the Wolf Pack has carried up to eight defenseman this season.

The Wolf Pack will have a mix of everything when they have to create a lineup for each game. It’s beneficial to have options.

Future Outlook

The Wolf Pack should return to near full strength as the taxi squad is dissolved in the NHL.

As the standings are tight in the Atlantic Division, Hartford will have opportunity to play in key matchups against Hershey (one), Springfield (three), and Providence (three).

Divisional opponents will also return to full strength, giving Hartford more competition. The Wolf Pack have fared well prior the taxi squad and that should continue. Given the experience factor for the depth players along with the top players returning and playing well, the Wolf Pack could be a tough team to play against.

The Wolf Pack are beginning to roll as they recently had a three game winning streak and have won their last five of seven.

As the season progresses, the games will become more meaningful. Playoff implications in terms of seeding will be crucial for each team in the division. This sets up for an exciting finish to the 2021-22 season.

Buckle up, and enjoy the ride!