The Hartford Wolf Pack are starting to turn a corner-and not a moment too soon. After enduring a frustrating seven-game skid, the New York Rangers’ AHL affiliate has found some rhythm, winning four of their last six games since snapping the streak with a gritty 3-2 overtime win against Springfield on November 18.
Brennan Othmann Breaks Through
Let’s start with Brennan Othmann, who looked like a man on a mission in last Wednesday’s 6-3 loss to Springfield. He tallied his first goal since February 16 and added an assist, leading the team with six shots on goal.
It was arguably his most complete game of the season, and a reminder of the offensive upside that made him a first-round pick. Dylan Roobroeck also chipped in with a goal and an assist, continuing to show flashes of a well-rounded game.
A Cleveland Sweep and a Statement from Perreault
The weekend matchup against Cleveland saw the Pack respond in a big way. On Friday, they exploded for a 6-4 win, powered by two-goal nights from both Trey Fix-Wolansky and Bryce McConnell-Barker.
Then came Saturday’s 3-2 comeback win-highlighted by Gabe Perreault’s first professional two-goal performance, including the game-winner in the third period. That kind of clutch play is exactly what you want to see from a young forward trying to carve out a role in pro hockey.
Now sitting at 7-9-4-0 with 18 points, Hartford is inching closer to the .500 mark. Two wins this weekend would get them there-and considering how they’ve been playing lately, that’s a realistic target.
Roster Moves and Injury Updates
The Wolf Pack’s lineup has been in flux lately. Juuso Pärssinen, recently assigned to Hartford after clearing waivers, left Friday’s game with an upper-body injury and is now week-to-week. That’s a tough blow, especially given his NHL experience and potential to stabilize the forward group.
To help fill the gap, Hartford signed 31-year-old Daniel Walcott to a Professional Tryout (PTO) on November 27. Walcott, a 2014 fifth-round pick of the Rangers, brings nearly 500 games of AHL experience and a gritty presence.
He spent the last nine seasons with Syracuse and had been in camp with Charlotte before being released. His return to the organization adds a veteran voice to a young locker room.
Meanwhile, the goaltending carousel continues. Spencer Martin was recalled to the Rangers, prompting Dylan Garand to return to Hartford.
Hugo Ollas was reassigned to ECHL Bloomington, and Connor Mackey is back with the Pack. Also heading back to New York: Scott Morrow and Brennan Othmann, who were both recalled by the Rangers.
Brendan Brisson Finds His Groove
It’s been a tale of two seasons so far for Brendan Brisson. After a sluggish start-just three points in his first 16 games-the 2020 first-rounder is heating up. He’s riding a four-game point streak (three goals, one assist), and now has seven points (five goals, two assists) in 20 games.
What’s encouraging is how Brisson is generating chances. He’s fifth on the team in shots (37) and tied for fourth in goals.
His two power-play tallies are also third-best on the squad. He’s still got work to do to match last season’s production, but this recent surge suggests he’s turning a corner.
Bryce McConnell-Barker Showing Maturity Beyond His Years
Second-year forward Bryce McConnell-Barker is quietly becoming one of Hartford’s most consistent contributors. With 10 points (five goals, five assists) in 20 games, he’s tied for fourth on the team in scoring and goals. His 38 shots rank fourth, and he’s coming off his first professional two-goal game in the win over Cleveland.
But it’s not just the offense that stands out. McConnell-Barker has been disciplined defensively, taking just three penalties and posting a plus-2 rating.
His skating and two-way game are allowing him to make an impact in all three zones. He’s on pace to surpass his rookie totals (15 points) and is quickly becoming a key piece of this team’s core.
Callum Tung Makes the Most of His Opportunity
When Callum Tung was recalled from ECHL Bloomington on November 16, expectations were modest. But the 22-year-old netminder made the most of his AHL opportunity, winning three of his four starts and stopping 95 of 109 shots faced.
His numbers-3.44 goals-against average and .872 save percentage-don’t jump off the page, but the eye test tells a more promising story. Tung looked composed, competitive, and capable at this level.
He also made a strong impression during a brief stint at the end of last season. With Garand now back as the clear No. 1 and Martin in the mix until Jonathan Quick returns in New York, Tung is likely headed back to the ECHL.
But he’s shown he can hang in the AHL, and that’s a big step forward in his development.
What’s Next: Two Key Division Matchups
The Wolf Pack have a pair of Atlantic Division games on tap this weekend, both with playoff implications down the line.
**Friday, December 5 vs. Springfield Thunderbirds (St.
Louis affiliate) - 7:00 p.m. ET**
This will be the fifth of 10 meetings between the two teams, with Hartford holding a 3-1-0-0 edge. Springfield sits last in the Atlantic Division (5-10-2-2), but they’ve picked up points in five straight games (3-0-1-1). Matt Luff (seven goals, seven assists) and Juraj Pekarcik (five goals, seven assists) lead the way offensively for the Thunderbirds.
Saturday, December 6 vs. Bridgeport Islanders (NY Islanders affiliate)
This is the second of 12 meetings between the rivals, and Hartford will be looking for revenge after being blanked 3-0 in the first matchup back on October 24. Bridgeport enters the weekend at 7-10-1-1, sitting just above Springfield in the division. Matthew Highmore and Matthew Maggio are tied for the team lead with 14 points apiece.
**
The Wolf Pack are trending in the right direction, but consistency is the next step. With young talent finding its footing, veterans stepping in, and goaltending depth being tested, this weekend offers a real chance to build momentum-and maybe even get back to .500. Stay tuned.