Post Game: Hartford Wolfpack and Providence Bruins

I also listened to the Falcons, Sound Tigers game the night before, and was ready to recap, but long story short, Springfield seems to be getting better, but not better enough quickly. Bridgeport meanwhile is on a roll. Just my luck, everyone has to prove me wrong. Both games were the only one for that night, so they were able to get a lot of attention.

Hartford Wolfpack: 4 (OT)

Providence Buins: 3

The game was really tightly contested. Nobody maintained a lead very long, as each opponent seemed to Hulk out the moment they went down. It led to a span of very quick goals towards the end of the second. Three of the five goals scored in the second period coming within a span of 90 seconds in the final 3 minutes of play. The announcers couldn't even get through half of a goal scorers name before another one was scored. It was like the last five minutes everyone decided to pull their goalies and play with open nets. That was before a tough third with lots of chances for both sides stifled by great goalie play.

Bruins force another OT. McIntyre has been allowing more goals than his first loss, but he's been making the right plays when needed and seems to be playing better when the stakes are there. Unfortunately once the Providence Bruins get down to 3 on 3 they aren't as effective, and a dumb hooking penalty at the end gave the WolfPack a man advantage necessary to secure the winning goal. Hopefully though, the Providence Bruins can correct this, and managed longer than their first power play outing. 

Who also is playing well? Frank Vatrano, a kid from East Longmeadow who grew up watching the Bruins and Springfield Falcons, and after a stint in Umass Ahmerst was recruited to the very organization he grew up loving. He's young, has a quick release, was named AHL player of the week for the opening week, and already has scored six goals over his first three games, including the one that forced overtime in the matchup against the baby pens. If he keeps this up, he may not be in Providence for long. I would hope not since he still needs some time to develop, and could hone in on some defensive skills.

As for the Wolfpack, they also played a great game. Their goalie Helberg made crucial saves, 37 total shots were taken against him and he held strong. Does the power play still suck? Yeah, they didn't get a power play goal until over time, making them 1-10 for the season. Tambellinni, their center seemed determined to break the streak in the 4-3 gift from Providence, taking shot after shot until he finally snuck one by McIntyre. It was a hell of an individual effort that rewarded the Wolfpack with their first win. 

Providence faces the 3-0 Soundtigers (?!?) next at home this friday, with a rematch in Bridgeport Saturday and Hartford plays Utica at home Saturday in a matchup between the former Springfield Indians and the former Providence Reds. AHL original six like I keep talking about.

Tonight's games are late night western affairs, with a game between the Ontario Reign visiting the Manitoba Moose and the San Jose Sharks visiting the Stockton Heat. I will try to listen to one, maybe.

Hartford Wolfpack: Games to Gun For

Games to gun for will go over specific games and opponents fans might want to see. Criteria are based upon AHL rivalries, fun teams to watch in the AHL and regional rivalries between the local NHL teams. Consider it a guide for casual fans to know how to get the biggest bang for their buck.

The second team I'm looking at is the Hartford Wolfpack. It's not that I don't like the Wolfpack, or I'm a Falcons fan per-say. I just really hate the state of Connecticut. Plus that whole name change to the Whale was kinda dumb. As if anyone could ever truly replace the Whalers...

But anyway, digressions aside.

Home opener: Oct. 10 against the St. Johns IceCaps.

After a trip to the Calder cup Semi-finals the Wolfpack no longer has Manchester Monarchs to stand in their way for another good competitive run. Their affilliate team, the Rangers have also made the playoffs as of late and recently had a cup run. The opponent? Last place in their division. But they have a new Captain, a new logo, and a new affiliate: the Montreal Canadiens. So they are looking like they might be a bit better this year.

Opponents:

1. Springfield Falcons

Falcons don't like Hartford, Hartford doesn't like the Falcons. Just the way it always has been and always will be. The two cities can barely share an airport. They play each other eight times this season and if you're close enough to go to one, you are probably close enough to go to another. Perfect opportunity to do some taunting.

2. Bridgeport Soundtigers

Again, close enough to taunt and hit up all eight games. If you want to actually go to Bridgeport that is. The other thing about the Sound Tigers is they haven't been historically good, but neither have their affiliate franchise, the New York Islanders. But they're both New York teams so the inherent subway rivalry can carry over into Connecticut and then fun fun.

3.Wilkes Barton-Scranton Penguins

Affiliate rivals, and divisional rivals. Penguins and Rangers hate each other, so it boils down. These teams face each other six times, three of which are at home. This is where those rivalries get born. Plus, if you're local to Connecticut, you have a rare chance to be a fan of both the NHL team and affiliate, meaning you probably dislike the Penguins too, and watch the players learn to hate each other at one level and bring that hate to the national level. Aren't hockey rivalries beautiful?

4. Providence Bruins

 But even if you aren't, then you'll still see plenty of the Bruins. This is one that could divide the crowd a bit with the mix of New York and Boston fans and both are original six affiliates, so the rivalry could be there. The problem is you're not in New York or Boston, but in Connecticut which is a mixing pool with no real loyalties so that rivalry might not be as intense but you can still enjoy seeing the prospects as of both teams take on each other. They play eight matchups, four at home

5. Lehigh Valley Phantoms

Its another divisional rival, and let's be honest, is there any team in the Eastern Conference the Flyers don't get irritate? Most teams have a pest who tries to get under the skins of the opponents, well the Flyers are the pest in the entirety of the NHL. As a Rangers fan or a Bruins fan who is cheering for Hartford, Phantoms are a good choice to watch on the basis of how much their affiliate boils your blood.

Honerable Mention: Albany Devils

They're an affiliate rival of sorts. They play in Hartford twice, and a total of four matchups and they're non divisional so its nice to see some teams outside of the division too, and as far as divisional opponents go, they play the same amount of times as the Hershey Bears, so they can be kinda like a divisional rival... but not. 

PS. Hartford needs to change their white on grey text. Amateur hour up in there.