Charlotte, NC - The Hartford Wolf Pack Roar Back to Form with Victory Over Charlotte Checkers
The Hartford Wolf Pack snapped a three-game losing streak with a decisive 5-2 win against the Charlotte Checkers at Bojangles Coliseum on Tuesday night. It was a performance that combined grit and precision, setting the tone early and maintaining control throughout.
Trey Fix-Wolansky got the Wolf Pack on the board with his team-leading 24th goal of the season, breaking a significant home shutout streak for the Checkers that had lasted over 237 minutes. His shot from the slot, which took a deflection, found its way past Cooper Black at 12:30 in the first period, giving Hartford a crucial early lead.
The Wolf Pack had two powerplay opportunities late in the first period. While the first didn't yield a goal, the second almost extended their lead. Brendan Brisson's one-timer was stopped, but Adam Sýkora's follow-up effort was denied by a remarkable save from Black, keeping the score 1-0 after 20 minutes.
Aidan Thompson doubled the lead early in the second period with his first goal for the Wolf Pack. Entering the zone on the right, he unleashed a shot that slipped past Black's right shoulder, marking his seventh goal of the season.
The game saw a brief four-on-four stint after Jack Studnicka was penalized for roughing. The Wolf Pack capitalized on the ensuing power play, with Connor Mackey setting up Fix-Wolansky for a powerful shot from the left-wing circle, bringing the score to 3-0. This goal also marked Mackey's 100th career point in the AHL.
Hartford's penalty kill was crucial in the second period, successfully neutralizing four Checkers powerplays. Goalie Dylan Garand was a wall, making 12 saves to maintain the Wolf Pack's lead.
Charlotte's Jack Studnicka attempted a comeback in the third period with two goals, narrowing the gap to 3-2. His first came just over a minute into the frame, and he followed it up with a shorthanded effort at 8:25.
However, the Wolf Pack responded with composure. Dylan Roobroeck's faceoff win set up Connor Mackey, whose shot through traffic extended the lead to 4-2 at 13:03. Just 52 seconds later, Brody Lamb earned his first professional point by setting up Carey Terrance, who sealed the game with a backhand goal.
The Wolf Pack continue their road trip with a rematch against the Checkers, looking to build on this momentum. They'll return home to face Charlotte again at the newly renovated PeoplesBank Arena on March 28. Fans can catch all the action on AHLTV and FloHockey, with pregame coverage starting 15 minutes before puck drop.
The victory not only broke the losing streak but also showcased the team's resilience and ability to execute under pressure, a promising sign for the games ahead.