The Hartford Wolf Pack are having an awful season. Their 18-25-4-2 record is the worst in the Atlantic Division, second-worst in the Eastern Conference, and in the bottom five of the American Hockey League (AHL)
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Yet, in spite of all that, the Wolf Pack aren’t far removed from a playoff spot. Only seven points separate them from the Bridgeport Islanders, who are clinging to the final spot in their division. “It’s only seven points, it’s only four games, and there’s a lot of games left,” defenseman Brandon Scanlin mentioned after the latest game, a 4-0 win over the Belleville Senators.
Taking things a step further, the Wolf Pack are only 10 points behind the Hershey Bears for the fourth-best record in the division. All this to say, a hot streak puts them back in the middle of it all. The question for the Wolf Pack is what it will take to get on a hot streak and go on a run.
Hartford Needs Veterans To Deliver
“Your veterans drag you, in this league you need good vets,” Wolf Pack head coach Grant Potulny noted when asked about how important they are for the turnaround. Every good AHL team has great veterans who not only step up on the ice but are the buffers off the ice and allow the prospects to develop. The best teams in the league often have the best veterans.
Hartford’s veterans have taken a lot of criticism this season. “We need our vets to step up,” Potulny added after the recent win. The offseason additions in particular haven’t delivered, and it’s left the Wolf Pack searching for answers. Trey Fix-Wolansky was the big signing, and by his standard, he’s disappointed, and the chain reaction is noticeable.
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The latest game showed that they have the veterans who can deliver. Anton Blidh found the back of the net while Justin Dowling’s top-shelf shot in the third period was the knockout punch. Dowling has been a key part of the top line throughout the season and has formed strong chemistry regardless of who is on his line. “I think we’re different players but we benefit from each other’s game. I can provide him with space, and he’s skilled with the puck. I’m trying to get the puck to him,” Jaroslav Chmelar noted after the game.
The Offense Must Create Its Own Good Luck
The bounces haven’t gone the Wolf Pack’s way this season. Potulny talked about the bad luck this team has had all season and that if they stick to the process, the bounces will start going their way. Hockey is a game of luck but good teams create their own good luck.
Hartford did it in their last game. They got to the interior of the offensive zone and allowed their players to create in space. They put themselves in positions to get the favorable bounces and the open looks. It’s that formula that will allow the Wolf Pack to go on a run. “None of that is lucky; this is repeatable but it’s hard, it’s hard work, it’s mentally challenging,” Potulny added.
For the Wolf Pack, it’s a must to improve the offense. They entered the latest game averaging only 2.5 goals per game and scoring only seven goals in their last six games. The past game showed how their offense can rebound and what must happen for it to do so.
Jaroslav Chmelar As An X-Factor
Potulny has talked about Chmelar as a bull on the top line. He’s the winger who has formed a strong chemistry with Dowling throughout the season. It’s because he’s a power forward but also has the skill to contribute to the offense.
With eight goals and 17 assists, he’s shown why he’s tough for opponents to prepare for. He’s a power forward on the wing who has the size to play in the NHL and is working on the skill to get there. “I just have to start moving my feet,” Chmelar added after the latest game.
Chmelar is far from a finished product. When asked where he must improve, he mentioned how he must start “Using my size, taking pucks to the net. Being a menace on the forecheck and making the defense pay a price when they want to go for a puck.” The fascination with Chmelar is that as he improves, the Wolf Pack will improve and slowly climb back into the playoff race.
