Game Preview
Nov 17, 2017Game Day Info:
Hartford Wolf Pack vs. Rochester Americans
Puck Drop: Friday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m.
Game Preview:
Tonight’s matchup is the first of four games this season between the Hartford Wolf Pack and Rochester Americans, and is the first of two visits to the Blue Cross Arena for the Pack. Last year, the Americans took the series as the Wolf Pack were 1-3-0-0 in the four-game season series.
The Americans sit in second place in the North Division, one spot behind the Toronto Marlies, with an 8-4-1-1 record. The Americans have 44 goals for and 42 against thus far in the season, and are 5-1-1-1 in their last eight games. Like the Wolf Pack, the Americans have a new head coach at the helm this year with their addition of Chris Taylor behind the bench.
Last Time Out:
On Wednesday night, the Wolf Pack played to 2-1 overtime loss to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers at the XL Center. Vinni Lettieri chipped in his team-leading seventh goal of the season late in the third period to send the game to overtime, however, Bridgeport’s Devon Toews scored his second goal of the night with only 4.3 seconds remaining. Hartford has taken six out of eight possible points in the standings in the team’s last four games.
Thus far, the Pack are 6-7-2-1 on the season, which places them seventh in the ultra-competitive Atlantic Division, one spot ahead of the Springfield Thunderbirds. The Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins currently lead the division with a 10-2-0-1 record, while the Charlotte Checkers and Lehigh Valley Phantoms fall close behind in the tight race.
Players to Watch:
#10 Cole Schneider
Cole Schneider will be playing against his former team, the Americans, for the first time tonight. In 16 games played, Cole Schneider has scored four goals and notched eight assists for a team-leading 12 points. The left wing is new to the Wolf Pack, but he is no stranger to Connecticut, as he played collegiately for UConn. Schneider led the Rochester Americans last season in points (63), assists (39) and +/- (+9), and tied for fourth on team in PIM (45.)
#19 C.J. Smith
C.J. Smith has two goals and nine assists in 14 games for a tied team-leading 11 points. The left wing signed a two-year, entry-level NHL contract as an undrafted free agent with the Buffalo Sabres on March 30, 2017. Smith registered one assist in two games for the Sabres in the 2016-17 season, following the completion of his junior season at UMass-Lowell.
Coming Up Next:
The Wolf Pack will be back home at the XL Center on Saturday, Nov. 25 for a 7 p.m. faceoff against the Hershey Bears. The first 4,500 fans will receive a red Wolf Pack t-shirt, courtesy of CT-DOT, in honor of the team’s red-out. In addition, it will be Teddy Bear Toss Night. Bring a Teddy Bear to the game and throw it on the ice after the Wolf Pack score their first goal, presented by County Wide Mechanical Services. All stuffed animals will be donated to Operation Elf & Toys for Tots. For tickets and information, visit the Hartford Wolf Pack ticketing site or call 866-762-6451.