The Wolf Pack (44-27-3-3, 94 pts.) took two out of three games this past week, maintaining their hold on first place in the Atlantic Division. The Pack finished their season series with the Portland Pirates at 7-1-0-0, with a 5-3 victory at the XL Center on Wednesday. The Wolf Pack then set a franchise record with three shorthanded goals in a 6-0 triumph in Providence on Friday, scoring their most lopsided win of the season. The week concluded with a 4-3 loss at home to Lowell Sunday, a defeat that ended a seven-game home winning streak for the Wolf Pack and was only their fourth regulation loss in 22 games (17-4-1-0). Jordan Owens was the Pack’s top scorer during the week, with 2-4-6 and a +5, and Mike Ouellette scored two shorthanded goals in Friday’s game, becoming the first Wolf Pack player ever to tally more than one shorthander in a single contest.
This week:
The Wolf Pack bring down the curtain on the 2008-09 regular season this week, with three games. The Pack travel to Manchester on Wednesday to take on the Monarchs in a 7:00 game, and complete their road schedule with a visit to Lowell Friday night (7:00). Game #80 is Saturday night at home vs. I-91 rival Springfield, on “Fan Appreciation Night” (7:00).
Wednesday, April 8 at Manchester (Verizon Wireless Arena), 7:00 PM
· The Monarchs enter the week three points out of a playoff spot in the Atlantic Division, with a record of 36-33-0-8 for 80 points. Manchester has lost back-to-back games and has won only three of its last 12 outings (3-7-0-2).
· Rookie Jonathan Bernier earned Reebok X-Pulse/AHL Goaltender of the Month honors for the month of March. Bernier posted a 6-5-1 record in 12 March games, with a 1.97 goals-against average, a 92.7% save percentage and two shutouts.
· The Wolf Pack are 5-1-1-0 in seven battles with the Monarchs this season, and have logged at least a standings point in each of their three previous visits to Manchester (2-0-1-0).
· Radio – live with Bob Crawford in HD on WTIC’s 96.5 HD 2 and on-line at www.hartfordwolfpack.com and www.wtic.com.Friday, April 10 at Lowell (Paul E. Tsongas Arena), 7:00 PM
· After Sunday’s 4-3 loss to the Devils at the XL Center, the Wolf Pack’s record in the season series stands at 2-4-0-1. The Pack are 1-2-0-0 thus far at Lowell.
· Despite defeating the Wolf Pack Sunday, the Devils (34-34-2-7, 77 pts.) were eliminated from playoff contention in the Atlantic Division by Portland’s 6-4 victory vs. Springfield.
· South Windsor, CT’s Jon DiSalvatore, Lowell’s leading scorer with 20-33-53 in 76 games, was First Star in Sunday’s Devil win in Hartford (game-winning goal and an assist) and has rolled up 3-4-7 in seven games vs. the Wolf Pack.
· Radio – this game can be heard live on the 50,000-watt AM powerhouse, WTIC NewsTalk 1080. Bob Crawford and WTIC NewsTalk 1080’s Scott Gray will have the call. The action will also be carried live in HD on WTIC’s 96.5 HD 2 and on-line at www.hartfordwolfpack.com and www.wtic.com.
Saturday, April 11 vs. Springfield at the XL Center, 7:00 PM
· This is the Wolf Pack’s annual “Fan Appreciation Night”. The first 3,000 fans into the game will receive a free Wolf Pack rally towel, and the Wolf Pack will be giving away tons of great prizes throughout the game. It’s also the last game for $10 adult tickets, courtesy of Click It or Ticket.
· The Falcons (24-42-8-4, 60 pts.) trail the field in the AHL, but have at least a standings point in eight of their last 13 games (5-5-1-2).
· Since losing the opening game of the season to the Falcons, 4-3, in Hartford October 11, the Wolf Pack are 7-0-0-1 in eight meetings between the two clubs.
· Springfield’s leading point-getter, Ryan Potulny (35-23-58 in 68 GP), is tied with the Wolf Pack’s Artem Anisimov for third in the AHL in goals.
· Radio – live with Bob Crawford in HD on WTIC’s 96.5 HD 2 and on-line at www.hartfordwolfpack.com and www.wtic.com.
Recent Transactions:
Corey Potter – returned to the Wolf Pack by the New York Rangers April 3.
Andrew Loverock – signed to an Amateur Tryout (ATO) agreement by the Wolf Pack April 4.
Pack Tracks:
Wolf Pack 2009 Calder Cup Playoff ticket packages are available now. Playoff ticket packages include tickets to all 16 possible home playoff games, plus rollover options and incentives for next year’s season tickets. To speak to a Wolf Pack account executive about a playoff ticket package, call (860) 548-2000. More information is available at www.hartfordwolfpack.com.
Balloting continues for the Wolf Pack’s 2008-09 “Fan Favorite” Award, which was won last season by Miika Wiikman. Votes can be e-mailed to sonar@xlcenter.com, and the winner will be announced at the Wolf Pack’s “Fan Appreciation Night” game this Saturday, April 11.
The Wolf Pack, bangle and clutch, Salon Encore and fashion stylist Debbie Wright are joining forces to offer a free “Mother-Daughter Makeover” to a lucky pair of Wolf Pack fans. To enter, and for more details, visit the Wolf Pack’s official website at www.hartfordwolfpack.com. Entries must be received by April 7, and the winners will show off their new makeovers at the Wolf Pack’s final regular-season home game this Saturday, April 11.
The Wolf Pack is the presenting sponsor of the 2009 March of Dimes Hartford “March for Babies”, which takes place Sunday, April 26, starting at the XL Center. The Wolf Pack will also be entering a team in the March for Babies, and fans are invited to join. To join the Wolf Pack team, visit its team page at www.marchforbabies.org/teams/hartfordwolfpack. For general registration, go to www.marchforbabies.org or www.marchofdimes.com/Connecticut.
Individual tickets for Wolf Pack home games are available at the XL Center Box Office and all Ticketmaster locations, including Macy's at the Buckland Hills Mall and at the Westfarms Mall. Tickets may also be charged by phone at 1-800-745-3000, and on-line at www.hartfordwolfpack.com. Season tickets, coupon books and group tickets are also available. Contact 860-548-2000 for more details.
The Wolf Pack has a new broadcast partnership this season with WTIC NewsTalk 1080 and WTIC-FM. All of the Wolf Pack’s regular-season and playoff games will air on 96.5 WTIC-FM’s HD 2 channel and will be streamed on-line at www.wtic.com . Select games will be carried live on the 50,000-watt AM powerhouse, WTIC NewsTalk 1080. And, as part of the partnership, all Wolf Pack full season ticket accounts will receive a free HD car radio, with installation from JoDi’s Sound Center, courtesy of the two stations and the Wolf Pack. To purchase your season seats, contact the Wolf Pack ticket office at 860-548-2000.
TRACK THE PACK AT WWW.HARTFORDWOLFPACK.COM
Leave a Reply