HARTFORD, CT – The Hartford Wolf Pack kicked off their second three-in-three of the season on Friday night, taking on the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in Allentown. It was the fourth meeting between the Atlantic Division foes, with the Phantoms holding a 2-1 edge in the series.
For the fourth time in as many contests, the teams would require more than 60 minutes to determine a winner. In the extra frame, Victor Mancini notched his first professional game-winning goal to deliver Hartford a 3-2 win.
All-Star Alex
The Phantoms controlled play throughout the opening frame. The home team outshot Hartford 14-5 in the period and, as a result, earned the icebreaker. Louie Belpedio fired a point shot into traffic, and Massimo Rizzo deflected it through the five-hole of Dylan Garand.
However, the Wolf Pack found the equalizer late in the stanza. Adam Sýkora tipped the puck into the Lehigh Valley zone, and Nathan Sucese beat a Phantom to the puck. Sucese took the puck for a ride around the Phantoms’ net before snapping a feed to a streaking Alex Belzile. The 2025 All-Star forward blasted a shot from the right-wing circle that Cal Peterson had no chance of stopping.
Belzile’s goal sent the game into the first intermission, with the teams tied at one.
Gone Sý-coring
The Wolf Pack took their first lead of the contest just over five minutes into the second period. Jaroslav Chmelař controlled the puck and entered the offensive zone. Chmelař shielded the puck from a Phantom defender before working down low. Chmelař then slipped a pass to Sýkora, who chipped the puck over the glove of Peterson to put Hartford in front.
However, Chmelař went off for roughing just over two minutes later, sending the Phantoms to the power play. The Phantoms finally capitalized on the fourth power play of the night, with Alexis Gendron snapping a feed by a diving Garand. Gendron’s goal tied the contest again, and the teams entered the second break even at two.
Wild Moose
Both teams had chances to take the lead in the final frame. The Phantoms got a golden opportunity when Brennan Othmann went off for high-sticking midway through the frame, but the Wolf Pack penalty kill was up to the task. As a result, the division rivals went to overtime for the fourth time in as many meetings.
On this night, however, the Wolf Pack collected the extra point. Jacob Gaucher held the puck low in the Hartford zone before blowing a tire. Mancini collected the loose puck and started the rush the other way. Mancini fed Sucese, who carried the puck into the opposite zone. Sucese slipped it back to Mancini, and the rookie defenseman walked down to the right-wing circle. Finally, Mancini ripped a shot by Peterson, securing the victory for the Wolf Pack.
The goal was Mancini’s first career game-winning tally, and it secured a 3-1-0-0 record for the Wolf Pack on their four-game road trip.
Groulx’s Going to Broadway
Forward Bo Groulx was a surprise healthy scratch for Friday’s contest. During the opening frame, the team announced that Groulx had been recalled by the New York Rangers, with fellow forward Brett Berard returning to Hartford.
The Rangers start a West Coast trip tomorrow in Vegas, and center Filip Chytil’s status for the game is still to be determined. Groulx gives the Rangers an extra option at center if Chytil is unavailable.
Regardless of the reason, it’s a well-deserved call-up for Groulx. He’s been excellent for the Wolf Pack this season – he’s tied for the team lead in goals, with eleven, and is second in points with 29.
“I think I’m just playing with a free mind out there,” Groulx told The Calder Times back in October. “I think [Wolf Pack head coach] Grant [Potulny has] a lot of confidence in me, and I can feel it.”
That confidence has certainly helped Groulx find success in his first season with the Wolf Pack.
Berard, meanwhile, returns to the Connecticut capital for now. In 16 games with the Wolf Pack this season, he’s posted seven goals and six assists before earning his first NHL recall on November 24th. Berard has tacked on three goals and four assists in 19 games with the Blueshirts.
Up Next
The Wolf Pack continue their three-in-three tonight, hosting a rematch with the Phantoms. It’s the 50th anniversary of the first pro hockey game in Hartford, and the Wolf Pack will wear special Hartford Whalers-themed jerseys. Puck drop for the contest is set for 7:00 p.m.
