The Hartford Wolf Pack are keeping their playoff dreams alive, bouncing back with a pair of crucial wins over the weekend. After a tough 2-1 loss to Utica left them eight points out of a playoff spot, Hartford rallied with victories on Saturday and Sunday, narrowing the gap to just five points.
Veteran goalie Spencer Martin had been struggling, but he turned things around with a stellar performance on Saturday, earning a shutout against Belleville by stopping 20 shots in a 4-0 win. This victory snapped his personal seven-game losing streak and provided a much-needed boost for the team.
The momentum carried over to Sunday, where the Wolf Pack took down Providence 5-2. Dylan Roobroeck and Trey Fix-Wolansky were the stars of the show, each racking up three points. Roobroeck notched a goal and two assists, while Fix-Wolansky scored twice and added an assist.
Currently sitting in eighth place with a record of 19-25-4-2 and 44 points, the Wolf Pack are gearing up for a crucial two-game series in Allentown against Lehigh Valley. With just six points separating them in the standings, every game is critical.
Hartford Wolf Pack News and Notes
Travis Dermott's Steady Return
Travis Dermott, who joined Hartford on a Professional Tryout (PTO) earlier this month, made his debut over the weekend. Skating alongside Derrick Pouliot on the second defensive pair, Dermott recorded a primary assist on Juuso Pärssinen’s goal in his first game back.
Despite being sidelined since last April due to shoulder surgery, Dermott quickly found his rhythm, providing a calming presence on the blue line. With 348 NHL games under his belt, his experience is invaluable as he looks to earn a contract and potentially secure a spot with the Rangers next season.
Coach Grant Potulny wisely rested Dermott on Sunday to manage his workload, especially after his long layoff. With the Rangers seeking to bolster their defensive depth, Dermott's performance in Hartford could be pivotal.
Brandon Scanlin's Impactful Weekend
Brandon Scanlin made a triumphant return to the lineup after being a healthy scratch on Friday. He scored the game-winning goals in both weekend victories, ending a 13-game scoring drought. Scanlin also brought physicality, dropping the gloves against Belleville's Dennis Gilbert after a questionable hit on a teammate.
Over the two games, Scanlin recorded four shots on goal and was a plus-three. Despite battling injuries earlier in the season, he's quietly putting together a solid campaign, with seven points in 27 games. As an impending unrestricted free agent, Scanlin's future with the organization remains uncertain, but his recent performances certainly make a case for his value.
Dylan Roobroeck's Breakout Performance
After being promoted to the second line, Dylan Roobroeck seized the opportunity, tallying four points over the weekend. Playing alongside Adam Sýkora and Fix-Wolansky, Roobroeck delivered his best performance of the season against Providence, snapping a 14-game goal drought and achieving a plus-four rating.
Previously limited to the third line, Roobroeck's production had been inconsistent. However, his recent elevation in the lineup could be the spark he needs to finish the season strong. Although his 20 points this season are below expectations, there's hope for a resurgence as the season progresses.
Upcoming Games
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- Saturday, February 28 vs. Lehigh Valley Phantoms at 7:05 PM, PPL Center
This matchup marks the fifth of six meetings in the season series, with Hartford yet to secure a win against Lehigh Valley. The Phantoms, sitting at 23-22-2-2, are currently fifth in the Atlantic Division. Lane Pederson leads their scoring efforts with 33 points, while Anthony Richard and Christian Kyrou are close behind with 28 points each.
Hartford's road record stands at 11-12-1-1, and they'll be looking to turn the tide in this crucial clash.