Wolf Pack Struggles Complicate Playoff Positioning

HARTFORD, CT - Recapping the month of March, the Hartford Wolf Pack faced adversity that they were unable to overcome. After a string of losses in the last 12 of 16 outings, the group is looking to stay afloat in the Atlantic Division for a playoff spot. Hartford compiled a record of 4-8-1 in the month of March and April has continued woes thus far.

The Wolf Pack have a handful of games remaining as the club sits in the middle tier of the division. Entering the first full week of April, Hartford is ranked fifth in the Atlantic Division with a record of 29-26-6-2 for 67 points (.524). Standings are based on point percentage as teams in the division are playing 76 of 72 games. The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins are in sixth for the final playoff spot with a .523 point percentage (through April 4).

Hartford has no room for margin of error as Hartford could be placed as low as sixth. There is a potential of the club missing the 2022 Calder Cup Playoffs altogether.

Entering Tuesday's game for the Bridgeport Islanders, the group is at .500 and the Islanders have picked up their play as of late. From Hartford's perspective, the group has to find a way to earn points in any fashion to be in playoff positioning.

Buckle up Wolf Pack fans as April will be a telling month on where they end up, in addition to being able to turn it around. Hartford completed March's schedule with a record of 4-8-1 and are 2-7-1 in their last ten outings.

What happened? How did we get here?

Hartford’s decline began in February, losing consistency in their game. The Wolf Pack had games where they had opportunities to secure point and could not find a way to stay afloat in contests against opponents in the division. Hartford also lost their captain, Jonny Brodzinski on March 1st . While the group faced adversity with their captain, they competed in a couple of contests to collect points. As the decline of play was concerning, Hartford had a few games they were solid. There was a potential to right the ship and let the team find their winning ways once again.

After losing Brodzinski, Hartford lost their identity. They were no longer the comeback kids. The struggles are all around the team. The offense became brisk, the defense had significant mistakes on a nightly basis, and the goaltenders were unable to bail out Hartford. Adam Huska continued to play well, but his counterpart Keith Kinkaid began to struggle and is unable to snap out of his slump.

The consistency is not there for Hartford. There are games where Hartford’s offense showed up (Hartford scored five goals on Syracuse on April 2nd ), while others the offense is quiet and Hartford’s defense had a solid outing (4-2 loss to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on March 13th , 3-2 overtime loss to Belleville on March 2nd ).

Then, there are games where both struggle and Hartford's contests became ugly. For instance, Hartford's 7-3 loss to Utica on March 28th , a 7-4 loss to the Laval Rocket on March 18th , and Springfield sweeping Hartford in two straight games.

Hartford has no identity and they have to find one fast before the playoffs. The good news is that Hartford still controls their own destiny in the Atlantic Division playoff race. While they could use help on the scoreboard, the group has to simply win games, or at least find ways to collect points as they are currently doing neither.

Hartford has shown no fight in recent weeks. They have played with no physicality, no grit, and no heart. While this is discouraging to see, the season could still be salvaged. Hartford has given their fans a roller coaster ride of the season, from being first in the division to now in fifth. While the morale is low from fans and potentially the players, there is hockey left to be played.

The addition of the new faces could potentially help Hartford.

Trade Deadline Moves

The NHL and AHL trade deadline featured modifications to Hartford’s roster. The Wolf Pack lost Morgan Barron from the NHL trade deadline in addition to veteran Anthony Bitetto.

Hartford received Nick Merkley.  While Hartford lost a strong center, Merkley replaces Barron for offense. Thus far Merkley has delivered on the roster. Through seven games, Merkley recorded two goals and three assists. He has given the offense another weapon which is needed. He has become impactful, playing on the top line and gave Hartford numerous quality scoring chances.

While losing Bitetto, Hartford has plenty of defenseman on the roster. The Rangers added Brandon Scanlin as well. The defenseman has potential to do well development wise. While his skating struggles, Scanlin has a strong hockey IQ and utilizes his body effectively.

In the AHL trade deadline, New York traded another defenseman, Tarmo Reunanen to Carolina (Chicago Wolves) in exchange for Maxim Letunov. The 26 year old forward brings in additional firepower to the roster. Letunov is comfortable playing in Hartford as he played with the UConn Huskies for three seasons (2015-16 to 2017-18) in the capital city. He brings size to the forward group and he has shown he is able to produce on the AHL level.

Hartford also received another forward from college as the Rangers signed Bobby Trivigno and he joins Hartford through an Amateur Tryout (ATO). Trivigno has potential, utilizing his speed and passes. In his debut with Hartford on April 2 nd , the forward played on the top line and recorded two assists. The prospect had a strong game, making plays and helping inject further chances for the forward group.

Looking Ahead

Hartford has a steep mountain to climb in order to be competitive in the Atlantic Division. If the Wolf Pack qualifies for the Calder Cup Playoffs, they will potentially face Hershey, Providence, or Charlotte depending on the shakeout of the standings.

Currently Hartford would play the Hershey Bears in the best of three series (Hershey is in fourth). Hartford would have one home game on the docket. The Bears could be the best opponent for the Wolf Pack as both clubs has struggled significantly in recent weeks and the Wolf Pack have played well against them.

If Hartford plays Providence or Charlotte, they will have a tough opening round battle as the Wolf Pack is inconsistent against both teams. The best of three series is high stakes as it only takes two wins to advance.