The Atlantic Division Semifinals series between the Hartford Wolf Pack and Providence Bruins shifted to the Connecticut capital on Wednesday. With the series tied 1-1, both teams aimed to pick up a pivotal Game Three win and put their rivals on the brink of elimination.
In the end, it would be the Wolf Pack who earned the victory in a thrilling overtime finish. Veteran forward Riley Nash led the way for Hartford, tallying three points (2 G, 1 A) on the night. Nash also provided the overtime game-winning goal as Hartford won 3-2 and took a 2-1 series lead.
Two’s Company
The Atlantic Division rivals got off to a quick start in Game Three. Marc McLaughlin broke the ice just 5:23 into the contest. A turnover in the Hartford zone gave him room in the slot, and the forward roofed a shot over Dylan Garand to give the Bruins an early lead.
However, the Wolf Pack would respond about a minute and a half later. Adam Sýkora held the puck behind the net and attempted to center it. The puck pinballed around in the slot before Nash grabbed it and slid it through the five hole of Brandon Bussi to tie the contest at one.
Officials sent Fabian Lysell to the box for hooking just 39 seconds later, giving Hartford the game’s first powerplay opportunity. Nic Petan took a shot from the point that ricocheted through traffic in front of the net. Eventually, Alex Belzile took a shot that was denied, and the rebound popped right to Brennan Othmann. The rookie forward cleaned up the loose change, flipping the puck into the net to put the Wolf Pack on top. It was Othmann’s first career Calder Cup Playoff goal.
The Bruins would even the score at two in the final minutes of the period. Ian Mitchell fired a one-timer from the blue line. The shot clipped Jayson Megna and snuck into the Hartford net, evening the game once again. The goal was Megna’s second in as many games.
Goaltending Greatness
The game’s four goals were scored in a 13-minute stretch in the opening frame. After that, neither team could find twine. Garand and Bussi were locked in, trading impressive saves to keep the game knotted at two. Each team had a pair of powerplay opportunities in the middle stanza, but the penalty killing units were up to the task. Providence got another man advantage late in the third period when Belzile went off for roughing. Again, the Wolf Pack penalty kill stood tall, allowing just one shot on goal.
Overall, Garand made 14 saves and Bussi denied 13 bids in the final 40 minutes. With neither team able to best the opposing netminder, the game was sent to overtime. It was the first overtime Calder Cup Playoff game at the XL Center since May 1, 2015. In a sort of poetic omen, the Wolf Pack beat the Providence Bruins in that game by a score of 3-2.
The Wolf Pack aimed to repeat history and secure a crucial 3-2 overtime win over their rivals.
Riley Riles Up Hartford
Each team got a shot on goal in the bonus period, with the netminders turning each aside. Eventually, Providence aimed to clear the puck out of their zone, but Nash kept it in. Nash poked the puck to Petan, who banked it off the boards to Blake Hillman at the blue line. Hillman flung the puck on net, and Nash redirected it past Bussi and into the Providence net to send the Hartford faithful into a frenzy.
The goal was Nash’s second of the night and fourth of the playoffs, tying Ontario’s Tyler Madden for the most in the playoffs thus far. It was also Nash’s second game-winning tally of the playoffs; Nash also potted the game-winner and series-clincher in the Wolf Pack’s 3-1 win over Charlotte in the opening round.
Wolf Pack interim head coach Steve Smith had a lot of praise for the veteran forward after the game, telling the Calder Times:
He built the game for us tonight. He was tenacious early. I didn’t feel like we had a great start to the game; I heard him on the bench talking to guys, settling guys in, helping them through the game.
Wolf Pack interim head coach Steve Smith on Riley Nash, 5/8/24
Othmann added this during his postgame press conference:
He did a great job. He’s one of the most veteran guys in this league, and I say that with a lot of respect for him. He’s been great all year. Big players show up in big games, and he’s a big time player for us.
Wolf Pack forward Brennan Othmann on Riley Nash, 5/8/24
Nash, who has battled injuries all season, looks to be returning to his early-season performance. Nash leads the Wolf Pack in goals (4), points (6), and points-per-game (1.00). Between his veteran presence and his impressive play, Nash will be a key figure for the entirety of Hartford’s playoff run.
Up Next
The Wolf Pack and Bruins meet again on Friday night for Game Four of their Atlantic Division Semifinals series. The puck drops at 7:00 pm from the XL Center in Hartford.
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