WOLF PACK DROP LAST MINUTE HEARTBREAKER IN BRIDGEPORT
Nov 7, 2021HARTFORD, CT – The Hartford Wolf Pack tied the game late on Sunday afternoon in Bridgeport but were beaten in the final minute by the rival Bridgeport Islanders by a score of 3-2 to complete a three-in-three weekend with a 2-1-0-0 record.
Kyle McLean fired a shot into traffic from the high slot, beating Keith Kinkaid at 19:35 of the final period. The shot initially came right out of the net and appeared to have hit the post. After further review, the goal call was confirmed, giving the Islanders their first win in the ‘Battle of Connecticut’ this season.
The Islanders opened the scoring in this game 3:31 into the contest. Otto Koivula snapped a shot from the faceoff circle that beat Kinkaid glove side. The goal, Koivula’s second of the season, was assisted by Arnaud Durandeau. The Pack answered back just under 15 minutes later, creating chaos in the Islander end. Tanner Fritz fired a shot on goal that Jakub Skarek denied, but Cristiano DiGiacinto found the rebound and buried it for his second career AHL goal.
The Islanders regained the lead just 1:56 into the middle frame. Durandeau blazed into the Wolf Pack zone and fired a quick shot that beat Kinkaid. Hartford hit two posts in the period, and got a late powerplay, but were unable to even the game before the second intermission.
Late in the third period, the Wolf Pack finally did get things back to even. Lauri Pajuniemi gained the offensive zone and muscled his way off the wall and into scoring position. He fired a shot that beat Skarek at 16:08. The goal was Pajuniemi’s third of the season and second in as many nights.
McLean’s goal late broke the 2-2 tie, pushing the Islanders into the winner’s circle at Webster Bank Arena.
The Wolf Pack return to action Friday night when they visit the division-leading Springfield Thunderbirds at the MassMutual Center. Puck drop is set for 7:05 pm.
The Pack is back at the XL Center on Wednesday, November 17th, when they host the Islanders. Puck drop is set for 7:00 pm. For tickets, please visit www.hartfordwolfpack.com
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ABOUT THE HARTFORD WOLF PACK: The Hartford Wolf Pack has been a premier franchise in the American Hockey League since the team’s inception in 1997. The Wolf Pack are the top player-development affiliate of the NHL's New York Rangers and play at the XL Center. The Wolf Pack has been home to some of the Rangers newest faces including Igor Shesterkin, Filip Chytil, and Ryan Lindgren. Follow the Wolf Pack on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.