Wolf Pack Weekly: Hartford looks to continue progress on great season – Forever Blueshirts

Ty Ronning and Zac Jones celebrate (Photo: Kelly Shea / Wolf Pack)

The Wolf Pack played their first game back from the COVID-19 protocol pause last Sunday in Allentown against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. This was the first time they played since November 27th against the Springfield Thunderbirds. Now the team prepares for their fourth three in three weekend of the season.

Hartford is looking to resume where they left off prior to going on the pause.

As expected, the Wolf Pack struggled in their first game back against Lehigh Valley with limited practice time. On the plus side, Hartford collected a point out of the contest as the group dropped a 4-3 shootout decision.

Morgan Barron snapped his four game drought while Zac Jones continued to produce on the blue line. Austin Rueschhoff recorded Hartfords second goal of the game while Jones tied the contest with a few minutes to play in the third. Adam Huska performed well despite getting the loss in net stopping 26 of 29 shots and one of three shooters in the skills competition.

Its hard to expect a club to be sharp after a long layoff. You have to give the group credit for sticking in the game despite being dominated, especially in the first and second period of the game. Furthermore, a couple of the regular players were out of the lineup (more information provided below).

The Springfield Thunderbirds came out of the pause and were swept last weekend (0-3) and lost players to the Blues due to call-ups. The Providence Bruins played with a depleted roster and posted a 2-1 record on the weekend. These clubs are not back to 100% and patience will be key in Hartford.

Assigned by the Rangers on December 10th, the defenseman will play in five games with Hartford during his two week conditioning stint.

Tinordi started his first game with the club on a rusty, struggling note. However, the defenseman had a nice huge hit early on in the contest.

He was lost his position several times and had to adjust to Hartfords schemas. As the games pass by, I expect the defenseman to settle in. Zac Jones had Tinordi as a partner on the blue line for top minutes. Jones also helped Libor Hajek on his conditioning stint while he was in Hartford.

Player Scratches

In Hartfords first game back, a few players that normally are in the lineup were out. Ty Ronning, Anthony Greco, and and Alex Whelan could return next weekend.

While Jarred Tinordi conditions in Hartford, the Wolf Packs blue line will have continual rotation going for players. Hunter Skinner was scratched and could return next week as well.

Standings Update

Despite playing in one game, Hartford found themselves now in first place in the Atlantic Division. The standings are based on point percentage this season.

Hartfords record entering the weekend is 12-4-2-1 for 27 points (.711). That ranks the club first in the division, second in the Eastern Conference, and fifth in the league (tied for fourth). Despite Springfield having three more points, the Wolf Pack have a better point percentage. Keep in mind that teams in the divisions are playing 72 or 76 games.

One Timers

Friday, December 17th vs Lehigh Valley Phantoms (Philadelphia) at 7pm, XL Center

Saturday, December 18th vs Springfield Thunderbirds (St. Louis) at 7:05pm, Mass Mutual Center

Sunday, December 19th vs Springfield Thunderbirds (St. Louis) at 3pm, XL Center

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Wolf Pack Weekly: Hartford looks to continue progress on great season - Forever Blueshirts