Going into the first weekend of hockey, there was optimism surrounding the Hartford Wolf Pack, despite how last season ended. Adding to the optimism was some big time additions in Riley Nash and Alex Belzille, and the ability to have Jonny Brodzinski back as the team’s captain.
The first weekend, however, would be a formidable test – at least on paper – for the Wolf Pack as they faced off against last year’s Atlantic Division winner, the Providence Bruins, and the 2022 Calder Cup runner-up, the Springfield Thunderbirds. Not only were they facing two very talented teams, but both contests were on the road.
Game 1 – Hartford 3, Providence 2 (SO)
The first game, at the Amica Mutual Pavillion in Providence against the Bruins, saw Brennan Othmann score two goals in the game – his first two professional goals. In fact, his second goal was so clutch, it came late in the third period and tied the game at two goals apiece. The game was also the aforementioned Nash’s 900 professional game.
Following the remaining 2:45-plus that remained in the third period, the two squads went to overtime. Much like the Wolf Pack’s first pre-season game, no one was able to score in overtime either, and it went to a shootout.
The shootout only went three rounds with Hartford going first. The lone goal was picked up by Brodzinski in the opening round with goaltender Louis Domingue stopped all three Bruins’ shooters.
Domingue wound up with 24 saves in the winning effort, but did not get the start in the second game on the weekend.
Game 2 – Hartford 3, Springfield 1
In the second game of the weekend, and this year’s first edition of the I-91 rivalry, the Wolf Pack was able to strike first in this one off the stick of Belzille – his first goal of the season – late in the first period.
After Springfield came back with a goal of their own early in the second period, Hartford stormed back with two goals of their own.
Both goals came off the stick of Brodzinski – one in the second period and one in the third – who was playing in his 400th professional game. The first goal also gave Othmann two games in a row with a point, as he picked up a helper on the tally.
Dylan Garand got the start in net in the second game and picked up 23 saves in the victory.
What’s next for Hartford?
Hartford’s next game is on Friday, October 20 when they take on the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Puck drop at 7:00 p.m.
