It’s no secret that the Hartford Wolf Pack must win a lot of games to make a push for the Calder Cup playoffs. They only have 16 games left in the season and trail the Springfield Thunderbirds by nine points for the final spot while trailing the Lehigh Valley Phantoms by 10 points. The odds are stacked against the Wolf Pack to secure a spot, but they can make it happen.
Related: Hartford Wolf Pack Are Playing Playoff Hockey at Right Time
The Wolf Pack are having a rough season, yet the recent games have suggested they can go on a run. After a 6-5 win on Feb. 22 against the Providence Bruins, they have earned points in four of their last five games and are coming off a 6-3 statement victory on March 5 against the Bridgeport Islanders. “We’re finding ways to win right now, and we can only control what we can control,” Alex Belzile noted after the win over the Islanders, one that provided the blueprint for a late-season push.
Garand’s Great Recent Play
Dylan Garand is one of the best goaltenders in the American Hockey League (AHL) and was one of the All-Star selections. It’s why his slumps this season were puzzling and frustrating. In a six-game stretch, he allowed 28 goals before putting together a strong performance on March 1 against the Utica Comets.
“I think Dylan’s coming back into form; he looks comfortable again,” head coach Grant Potulny mentioned after the 6-3 win over the Islanders. Garand allowed only one goal in a 3-2 shootout loss to the Comets and then saved 38 shots in the latest victory. It’s a sign that he’s turning a corner and, once again, looks like the elite goaltender who can carry the Wolf Pack.
Garand’s style of play leaves room for errors and inconsistency. He’ll be lights out for stretches but then become a liability the next week. For now, he’s seeing the puck well and making the big saves when needed. “When Dylan’s playing his best, there’s no rebounds,” noted Potulny, which is a key part of helping the defense out and giving the team a much-needed boost.
Brannstrom & an Improved Defense
When the New York Rangers acquired J.T. Miller, one of the players added to the deal was Erik Brannstrom. He’s a journeyman defenseman who was brought in with the hopes of fixing the Wolf Pack defense. He suffered an injury shortly after the acquisition, but was back in the lineup in the recent game and he…
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