Game Preview
Dec 15, 2017Game Day Info:
Hartford Wolf Pack vs. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
Puck Drop: Friday, Dec. 15 at 7:15 p.m.
Game Preview:
This is the second of six games on the year between the Wolf Pack and Penguins, and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s first visit of the season to Hartford. In the season series opener October 21 in Wilkes-Barre, the Penguins scored a 3-2 shootout victory over the Wolf Pack.
The Penguins are coming off a 6-3 win over the Springfield Thunderbirds Wednesday night, but have lost six of their last nine games. The Penguins sit in second place in the Atlantic Division with a 15-7-1-1 record and a 0.667 win percentage.
Last Time Out:
Last Sunday, the Wolf Pack played to a 5-3 win over the Springfield Thunderbirds at the XL Center. Vinni Lettieri set the pace with two goals and an assist, while Dawson Leedahl, Scott Kosmachuk and Steven Fogarty each added a goal of their own. The Pack are currently on a five-game point streak, which is the team’s longest streak without a regulation loss of the season.
Thus far, the Pack are 10-12-3-2 on the season, which places them seventh in the ultra-competitive Atlantic Division with 25 points from 27 games played. The Providence Bruins currently lead the division with a 17-6-2-0 record, while the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and Charlotte Checkers fall close behind in the tight race.
Players to Watch:
#95 Vinni Lettieri
In 25 games played, rookie center Vinni Lettieri has scored a team-leading 11 goals and notched eight assists for a total of 19 points. Lettieri’s 19 points places him only behind Peter Holland’s 23 points and Cole Schneider’s 20 points for the team lead. Lettieri helped lead the Wolf Pack to last Sunday’s 5-3 win over the Thunderbirds with his dominating two goals and one assist. The Minnesota native 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 Daniel Sprong
Daniel Sprong currently leads Wilkes-Barre Scranton in points and in goals, with 14 goals and seven assists for 21 points in in 23 games. The right wing is no stranger to offensive production, as he scored five goals and tallied two assists in 10 games in the 2016 Calder Cup Playoffs. Sprong has played in 18 NHL games and was a 2015 second round draft selection at 46th overall for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Coming Up Next:
The Wolf Pack will be back home at the XL Center on Friday, Dec. 22 and Saturday, Dec. 23 for matchups against the Providence Bruins and Bridgeport Sound Tigers, respectively. Fans can stick around for a post-game skate on the XL Center ice on Dec. 23, but skates are not provided. For tickets and information, visit the Hartford Wolf Pack ticketing site or call 866-762-6451.