Game Preview
Nov 22, 2017
Game Day Info:
Hartford Wolf Pack vs. Bridgeport Sound Tigers
Puck Drop: Friday, Nov. 24 at 7 p.m.
Game Preview:
Friday’s matchup is already the fifth installment of a ten-game season series between the AHL’s two Nutmeg State teams, and the Wolf Pack have gone 1-2-1-0 thus far on the year vs. their in-state rivals. Hartford’s one win in the series was in their last visit to Bridgeport, a 2-1 victory on Nov. 11.
The Sound Tigers have won three straight since that home loss to the Wolf Pack last Saturday, including a 2-1 overtime verdict in a rematch last Wednesday night at the XL Center, and have prevailed in six of their last eight outings.
The Sound Tigers sit in fifth place in the Atlantic Division, one spot behind the Providence Bruins, with an 9-7-0-0 overall record. The Americans have 48 goals for and 40 against thus far in the season.
Last Time Out:
On Saturday night, the Wolf Pack played to 4-1 win against the Rochester Americans in New York. Filip Chytil led the Pack with two goals, while Lettieri added his team-leading eighth goal and Gabriel Fontaine scored his first professional goal. Chris Nell got the start in net, where he made 31 saves.
Thus far, the Pack are 7-8-2-1 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 11-2-0-1 record, while the Charlotte Checkers and Lehigh Valley Phantoms fall close behind in the tight race.
Players to Watch:
#95 Vinni Lettieri
In 17 games played, Vinni Lettieri has scored eight goals and notched five assists for a total of 13 points. Lettieri’s eight goals leads the Wolf Pack, and he sits only behind Cole Schneider for the team lead in points. The rookie center came to Hartford from the University of Minnesota, where he helped Minnesota capture four-straight Big Ten regular-season championships as well as the 2015 Big Ten Tournament title.
#11 Tanner Fritz
Tanner Fritz has three goals and 13 assists in 14 games, for a team-leading 16 points. The right wing made his AHL debut on Feb. 21 last year, where he notched his first AHL point on his first shift. Fritz went on to play in 63 games for the Sound Tigers last year, with 19 goals and 23 assists.
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.