Sports stats



AHL Hartford Wolf Pack

Pack Can't Hold off Pens

April 1, 2015 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Hartford Wolf Pack News Release


Wilkes-Barre, PA, April 1, 2015 - Dominik Uher scored two third-period goals, including the game-winner, and Brian Dumoulin had three assists, Wednesday night at the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, to lead the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins to a 4-3 win over the Hartford Wolf Pack.

After scoring the game's first goal, the Wolf Pack gave up the next four, then very nearly came back to tie the game in the third period.

Oscar Lindberg, Chris Bourque and Mat Bodie scored for the Wolf Pack, and Mackenzie Skapski made 17 saves. Jeff Zatkoff stopped 37 shots in the Penguin net.

"I think we lost our focus a little bit," Bodie said. "I thought we were playing a pretty good game, then take a couple of penalties and they get a goal, and then we have a chance to score the equalizer on a 5-on-3. We had some chances but just didn't execute . But the guys battled hard, and we know we can play with that team."

The loss dropped the Wolf Pack (36-23-5-4, 81 pts.) into sixth place in the Eastern Conference playoff race, and to four points behind the fourth-place Penguins.

The Wolf Pack had a fine first period, outshooting the Penguins 13-4 and taking a 1-0 lead four minutes in, on a goal by Lindberg on the first shot on goal of the game.

Justin Vaive blocked a Penguin pass deep in the offensive zone and worked the puck to Joey Crabb on the right-wing side. Crabb centered it to a wide-open Lindberg, who easily beat Zatkoff from close range.

The Penguins replied with a pair of goals, though, in the second period, both on deflections.

Jayson Megna scored his 21st of the year at 8:20, redirecting a pass from the left-wing boards by Dumoulin past the catching glove of Skapski.

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton then took the lead on a five-on-three power play at 13:28. Scott Wilson spun with the puck at the right point and headed down the slot, firing a shot that Tom Kostopoulos tipped past Skapski's stick side.

Later in the period the Wolf Pack were awarded 1:32 of two-man advantage, but could not capitalize on their opportunity.

Uher then widened the Penguin lead to 3-1 only ten seconds into the third period. Tom Kuhnhackl worked the puck off of the left-wing boards to Uher at the top of the circles, and Uher's quick, hard shot beat Skapski up high.

Dumoulin and Uher hooked up for the eventual game-winner at 11:44 of the third, with Dumoulin sending a slap pass from the right point and Uher redirecting it into the goal.

The Wolf Pack got back in the game, though, with 4:49 left, on Bourque's 26th of the season. The Wolf Pack's leading scorer outbattled Penguin defenseman Scott Harrington in front of the net and deposited the rebound of a Tommy Hughes shot in behind Zatkoff.

Then, with Skapski on the bench for an extra attacker, Bodie cut the margin to one with 24.9 seconds on the clock. Danny Kristo got the puck to Bodie at the right point, and he moved to the middle of the blue line before pounding a high slap shot past a screened Zatkoff.

The Penguins closed the door after that, however, sending the Wolf Pack to only their second regulation loss in the last nine games (6-2-0-1).

The Wolf Pack are back home at the XL Center for their next game this Friday, April 3, taking on the Syracuse Crunch in a 7:00 game. As at all Friday-night Wolf Pack games, fans can enjoy $1 hot dogs and $2 beers through the start of the second period.

Tickets for all remaining 2014-15 Wolf Pack home games are now on sale at the Agera Energy Ticket Office at the XL Center, on-line at www.hartfordwolfpack.com and by phone at (877) 522-8499. Wolf Pack tickets start as low as $12 for youth 12 years old or younger.

To speak with a Wolf Pack representative about season or group tickets, or any of the Wolf Pack's many ticketing options, call (855) 762-6451.

Check out the Hartford Wolf Pack Statistics

• Discuss this story on the American Hockey League message board...

American Hockey League Stories from April 1, 2015


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central