WOLF PACK STRIP THUNDER FROM THE BIRDS
By: Gerry Cantlon, Howlings
SPRINGFIELD, MA – The Hartford Wolf Pack used another huge third period, scoring three times, including a go-ahead breakaway goal by Matt Rempe to a 4-2 over the Springfield Thunderbirds for their third straight at the MassMutual Center Friday night.
The third period started with a tied score at one each but played out as a see-saw affair before Rempe’s game-winner at 12:12.
Springfield’s rookie rearguard Leo Loof blew a tire at center ice and fell. Nikolas Brouillard got to the puck and sent a lead pass to Rempe, who zoomed into the open ice on a breakaway, went forehand-to-backhand, and flipped the puck into the net past Springfield netminder Malcolm Subban.
Defensively reliable Adam Edström closed out the scoring. Riley Nash got the puck at center ice from Brandon Scanlin and was patient as Edström pulled ahead of his check and got him the puck. With 48.6 seconds remaining, Edström fired his seventh goal on the season into the open net, securing the road win.
The win gave the Pack their third win against the T-Birds, equalling what they had all last season with their I-91 rivals.
The Pack penalty kill was riding a red-hot 19-for-19 success streak until Springfield ended it at 10:29 of the third period after Joe Duszak came in the back door from off the right wing from a Hugh McGing pass for his second tally of the season to tie the score at two.
The Pack broke a 1-1 tie at 1:19 of the third period when Brett Berard was Johnny-on-the-spot on the right wing side to take advantage of a rebound from a Jonny Brodzinski point shot that went over Subban’s glove, came off the backboards, and right to his stick. Berard earned his fourth campaign goal, with helpers going to Brodzinski and Mac Hollowell.
Brodzinski’s assist set him atop the AHL scoring race, surpassing Springfield’s Adam Gaudette.
SECOND PERIOD
In the second period, Louis Domingue kept up his strong play in the net to keep the game close. The Thunderbirds’ second power play saw Domingue make a blocker save on Zachary Bolduc and Matt Peca (Quinnipiac University) in the dead red zone ten feet out.
Six minutes later, the Wolf Pack power play struck.
Brodzinski was up at the left point. He sent it down low to Alex Belzile in the lower-wing zone below the goal line. Belizle found Riley Nash, got position on Calle Rosén, and tapped in his sixth goal of the year.
On another power play for Springfield, Domingue was again called on to make a big save as he stopped Dylan Coghlan twice, the second one just as the man advantage ended.
He made a season-high 39 saves en route to the game’s second star.
The game’s opening frame went scoreless as both goalies were sharp and equal to the task.
The best scoring chance for either roster came as Brodzinski rang a puck off the crossbar at 1:42 on an early power play.
Team defense played a huge part in the scoreless first.
The Pack hosts the Belleville Senators in the only meeting between the two teams at the XL Center on Saturday at 7:30 pm.
LINES:
Karl Henriksson – Anton Blidh – Adam Sýkora
Alex Belzile – Riley Nash – Brennan Othmann
Adam Edström – Jonny Brodzinski – Brett Berard
Matt Rempe – Ryder Korczak – Bobby Trivigno
Nikolas Brouillard – Zach Berzolla
Brandon Scanlin – Grant Gabriele
Matt Robertson – Mac Hollowell
Louie Domingue
Dylan Garand
SCRATCHES:
D Ben Harpur (upper body, Indefinitely)
F Jake Leschyshyn (upper body, week-to-week)
F Turner Elson (healthy)
D Matt Cairns (healthy)
D Blake Hillman (healthy)
F Drew Worrad (not in residence)
NOTES:
Harpur’s injury is now upgraded as indefinite, a major Rangers concession.
Springfield’s loss snapped a two-game winning streak. Matt Peca (Quinnipiac) scored two in their last game against the Bridgeport Islanders.
Springfield was fielding three Carolina Hurricanes prospects to start the night.
Louie Domingue’s 1.67 GAA puts him second in the AHL.
Ex-Pack Zach Jordan was recalled by the Rockford IceHogs to the AHL from the ECHL’s Indy Fuel.
The New York Rangers defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 3-1 on Friday afternoon as Mika Zibanejad scored twice. Chris Kreider had another tally, but it was waived off after an official review when it was shown that Zibanejad was offside.
Former Wolf Pack head coach Kris Knoblauch, now with the Edmonton Oilers, shut out the Washington Capitals 5-0. It was the first time in team history that the Oilers shut out the Caps.
Chase Harwell (Southbury), who last played with Como (Italy Division-2) last year, signs with the Danbury Hat Tricks (FPHL).
Matej Teply, of Stamford, a graduate of the Selects Academy at South Kent Prep (CTPREP) program and currently playing with the NJ Jr. Titans (NAHL), has committed to the University of Vermont Catamounts (HE) for the 2024-25 season. He was also a Chicago Steel (USHL) 2023 Draftee.
