The Hartford Wolf Pack entered the AHL holiday break on a good note, after snapping a two-game skid (0-2-0-0) with a 4-2 win against the Providence Bruins on Saturday. Hartford’s win was led by Anton Blidh’s two-goal effort and Adam Sykroa’s two assists. The Wolf Pack responded after they were shut out for the second time this season on Friday, 1-0 by the Bruins.
The New York Rangers’ AHL affiliate is 13-11-2-1 (.537) for 29 points. They are tied for fifth with Lehigh Valley in the Atlantic Division (sixth is the last playoff spot in the division), 10th in the Eastern Conference, and 21st in the AHL. Hartford is four points behind Providence and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, who are tied for third. The Wolf Pack are six points behind Charlotte for second.
Looking behind the Wolf Pack, there is a fight for the final playoff spot in the division with Springfield two points behind Hartford and Lehigh.
Hartford Wolf Pack news-n-notes
Dylan Garand continues strong season
Dylan Garand kept Hartford in a game they had no business even being close in, the 1-0 loss to Providence. He stopped 43 of 44 shots, just the latest stellar outing for the 22-year-old goalie this season. His personal four-game winning streak ended. but he was still so impressive. Hartford was outshot 21-5 in the first period and 16-5 in the second. The Bruins were testing Garand consistently, including on six powerplay opportunities…