The Hartford Wolf Pack opened the 2024 portion of their schedule on the road for a rematch with their rivals, the Bridgeport Islanders. Hartford won this installment of the Battle of Connecticut to pick up their first win of the new year.
A Back and Forth Battle
The Wolf Pack broke the ice just two and a half minutes into the contest. Matej Pekar carried the puck into the Bridgeport zone. While speeding towards the goal, Pekar snapped a pass to Matt Rempe. Rempe promptly deflected the puck by Henrik Tikkanen, giving the Wolf Pack the game’s first lead.
The Islanders would tie the contest just over the halfway mark of the first period. Alex Belzile was whistled for hooking, giving Bridgeport their second power play opportunity of the contest. This time, they converted, with Otto Koivula ripping a shot from the slot by Dylan Garand to tie the game.
Hartford would regain the lead with a powerplay goal of their own in the middle stanza. Officials handed Aidan Fulp a hooking minor, sending Hartford to the man advantage. Brett Berard would capitalize, ripping a wrist shot from the right circle into the Bridgeport net to put Hartford back on top.
However, Bridgeport would again draw even late in the period. A scrum for the loose puck ensued in front of the Hartford net. Eventually, Cole Bardreau was able to sneak the puck into the Hartford net, tying the score once again.
The Arty Party Returns
On Tuesday, veteran forward Artem Anisimov signed a professional tryout agreement (PTO) with the Wolf Pack. Anisimov had previously skated in 154 regular season games with Hartford from 2007 through 2009. With Hartford’s forward group depleted by recalls and injuries, Anisimov drew into the lineup on Thursday night for his first regular season Wolf Pack game since April 11th, 2009.
The veteran forward re-introduced himself with a go-ahead goal early in the third period. Anisimov took a sharp angle shot that snuck through Tikkanen, putting the Wolf Pack back in front. It was Anisimov’s first Wolf Pack goal since April 11th, 2009, when he scored in a 5-3 win over the Springfield Falcons.
The Islanders pulled Tikkanen in the final minute of regulation as they sought the equalizer. However, Garand stood strong, and the Wolf Pack earned their first win of the new year. Anisimov’s tally stood as the game-winner, his first since Hartford beat the Albany River Rats 5-1 on March 27th, 2009.
Othmann Arrives at MSG
On Wednesday evening, the New York Rangers announced that Brennan Othmann had been recalled from the Wolf Pack. Othmann made his NHL debut last night against the Chicago Blackhawks at Madison Square Garden, skating on a line with Nick Bonino and Wolf Pack captain Jonny Brodzinski.
Othmann did not record a point, but did lead the Rangers with five shots on goal. Othmann also tied Will Cuylle for the team lead in hits, with three. His performance earned him the Rangers’ coveted Broadway Hat, given out to the player of the game. A huge congratulations to Othmann on the milestone!
Up Next
The Wolf Pack continue their road trip this weekend with a trip to Pennsylvania. The Wolf Pack will visit the Hershey Bears for the first time this season on Saturday. Puck drop for the rematch of last year’s Atlantic Division Finals is set for 7:00 pm.
The Wolf Pack will then travel to Wilkes-Barre, taking on the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on Sunday afternoon. Puck drop for the matinee matchup is set for 3:05 pm.
