Hartford, CT - A Tough Night for the Wolf Pack as Utica Comets Edge Them Out 2-1
The Hartford Wolf Pack faced a narrow defeat against the Utica Comets, bowing out 2-1 in front of a packed house of 7,581 fans at PeoplesBank Arena on Friday night.
The Wolf Pack hit the ice with determination, putting early pressure on Utica's goaltender, Nico Daws. Daws, however, was impenetrable in the first period, stopping all five shots he faced.
Not to be outdone, Dylan Garand, Hartford's netminder, showcased his skills with eleven saves, keeping the scoreboard clean through the first 20 minutes.
The second period was a showcase of defensive prowess from both teams, with neither side able to capitalize on several high-quality chances. Dylan Roobroeck came closest for the Wolf Pack, but Daws denied the second-year forward, maintaining the deadlock.
A standout moment came when Garand made a spectacular glove save against Angus Crookshank, who unleashed a quick shot from the right-wing circle. Garand's full extension kept the veteran winger at bay.
The stalemate was finally broken 10:05 into the third period. Utica's Ethan Edwards found the back of the net amidst a scramble in the Wolf Pack zone.
Topias Vilen set up Edwards, who fired a shot past a screened Garand for his ninth goal of the season. This marked the tenth consecutive game where Hartford allowed the first goal.
Just over two minutes later, Marc McLaghlin doubled the Comets' lead during a four-on-four situation. McLaghlin led a two-on-one rush and opted to shoot, slipping the puck past Garand's blocker at 12:30, marking his third goal in as many games.
The Wolf Pack finally broke through at 17:26 of the third period. Juuso Pärssinen capitalized on a rebound from a Travis Dermott shot, netting his second goal of the season and snapping Hartford's longest scoreless streak of the season at 161:58.
Despite a late surge with an extra attacker, the Wolf Pack couldn't find the equalizer, as Daws remained solid between the pipes.
This loss adds to a challenging stretch for Hartford, marking their ninth defeat in the last ten games (1-8-0-1).
The Wolf Pack will look to bounce back at the newly renovated PeoplesBank Arena tomorrow night as they face off against the Belleville Senators. The game starts at 7:30 p.m., with 'Wolf Pack Pregame' coverage beginning at 7:15 p.m. on AHLTV on FloHockey and Mixlr. Tickets are still available for those looking to catch the action live.