GRUNDY: PACK POUND DEVILS, GET WINS ROLLING AGAIN
Hartford Wolf Pack 5, Binghamton Devils 2
BY: Bryce Grundy, Hartford Wolf Pack
Hartford, CT, December 7, 2019 – Steven Fogarty had the Hartford Wolf Pack’s first four-point game of the season, with two goals and two assists, and linemate Lias Andersson added a goal and two assists Saturday night at the XL Center, as the Wolf Pack defeated the Binghamton Devils, 5-2.
“For 50 minutes we played really well,” said Wolf Pack head coach Kris Knoblauch. “We played some of our best hockey.”
Andersson’s big night started early with a beautiful move on Binghamton netminder Gilles Senn for a goal at 3:30 of the first period.
Fogarty then led a shorthanded rush that led to a Nick Ebert goal at 13:53 of the first frame, providing some early insurance for the Wolf Pack.
“Fogarty lets his game talk and leads the way out there on the ice,” commented Andersson. “He’s the kind of guy you want to work hard for.”
Binghamton cut the lead in half 5:06 into the second period, as Nathan Bastian roofed a shot past Adam Huska, but that would not diminish his solid performance in net.
“Huska has come up huge all season. He’s very reliable,” said Knoblauch.
Fogarty and Andersson’s production continued, as Andersson threaded the needle to Fogarty for a goal at 14:02, which ended up being the game-winner.
“There’s a lot of chemistry there with those guys,” said Knoblauch.
“Last night (a 5-2 win at Springfield) was one of our best games of the year, and when we play like that it’s tough to beat us,” said Fogarty. “It starts in our defensive zone. Our breakouts have been pretty perfect, and it allows us to be creative and use our skill in the offensive zone.”
Andersson and Fogarty connected yet again on the fourth Wolf Pack goal, on the power play with 46.1 seconds left in the period. Fogarty and O’Regan combined to set up Andersson’s second goal of the night, and, more importantly, 4-1 advantage.
“The power play has been having confidence,” mentioned Knoblauch. “Nothing fancy, guys are just doing their job. I’m happy with the way the power play has been the past couple of games.”
After a Joey Anderson goal that brought Binghamton back to within two at 1:39 of the third period, Fogarty capped his four-point night with an empty-net goal with 1:16 remaining.
The Wolf Pack completes a three-game weekend with a visit to Providence Sunday for a 3:05 PM game. All of the action can be heard live on-line at hartfordwolfpack.com, and video streaming is available at theahl.com/AHLTV.
The Wolf Pack’s next home game is also against the Devils, this Wednesday night, December 11. Faceoff is 7:00 PM, and that is another chance to take advantage of the Wolf Pack’s “Click It or Ticket Hat Trick Pack”. The Hat Trick Pack includes two tickets, two sodas, and one large popcorn, all for just $40.
Tickets for all 2019-20 Wolf Pack home games are on sale now at the Sunwave Gas & Power Ticket Office at the XL Center, on-line at hartfordwolfpack.com and by phone at (877) 522-8499. Tickets purchased in advance for kids 12 or younger start at just $10 each, and all tickets will have a $3 day-of-game increase.
To speak with a Wolf Pack representative about season or group tickets, or any of the Wolf Pack’s many ticketing options, call (860) 722-9425, or click here to request more info. To visit the Wolf Pack online, go to hartfordwolfpack.com.
Binghamton Devils 2 at Hartford Wolf Pack 5
Saturday, December 7, 2019 – XL Center
Binghamton 0 1 1 – 2
Hartford 2 2 1 – 5
1st Period-1, Hartford, Andersson 3 (Meskanen, Keane), 3:30. 2, Hartford, Ebert 3 (Fogarty), 13:53 (SH). Penalties-Di Giuseppe Hfd (high-sticking), 5:05; Zetterlund Bng (roughing, roughing), 8:36; Keane Hfd (roughing, roughing), 8:36; Meskanen Hfd (cross-checking), 12:49.
2nd Period-3, Binghamton, Bastian 3 (McLeod), 5:06. 4, Hartford, Fogarty 8 (Andersson), 14:02. 5, Hartford, Andersson 4 (O’Regan, Fogarty), 19:13 (PP). Penalties-Carrick Bng (cross-checking), 11:19; Andersson Hfd (cross-checking), 11:19; Seney Bng (hooking), 18:56.
3rd Period-6, Binghamton, Anderson 7 1:39. 7, Hartford, Fogarty 9 18:44 (EN). Penalties-Andersson Hfd (slashing), 9:37; served by Zetterlund Bng (bench minor – too many men), 10:49; Seney Bng (tripping), 14:29.
Shots on Goal-Binghamton 11-7-8-26. Hartford 9-11-9-29.
Power Play Opportunities-Binghamton 0 / 3; Hartford 1 / 3.
Goalies-Binghamton, Senn 4-4-2 (28 shots-24 saves). Hartford, Huska 5-1-4 (26 shots-24 saves).
A-4,035
Referees-Brandon Schrader (46), Jeremy Tufts (78).
Linesmen-Nick Briganti (58), Glen Cooke (6).
