Wolf Pack Bank Point, Downed by Phantoms in Shootout 2-1

The Hartford Wolf Pack capped off their pre-holiday schedule on Saturday night, taking on the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in Allentown, Pennsylvania. They aimed to secure their first win in the head-to-head matchup on the season.

The Wolf Pack played a strong game, but they just couldn't push it over the finish line. The game would progress to a shootout, where the Phantoms would secure the extra point and a 2-1 decision.

Another Brick in the Wal

The teams played an even opening frame, with the Phantoms taking a slight 11-8 edge in shots on goal. Spencer Martin and Carson Bjarnason stood tall in their respective creases to send the game into the first intermission in a scoreless tie.

The Phantoms would break the ice early in the middle frame. Bryce McConnell-Barker took an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, sending the Phantoms to their only power play bid of the night. On the ensuing man advantage, Lane Pederson took a feed from Cooper Marody and ripped a shot by the blocker of Martin to give Lehigh Valley the game's first lead.

The Wolf Pack would earn a pair of power play bids throughout in the middle frame, but they couldn't convert, sending the game into the second intermission with Lehigh Valley ahead by one.

However, the Wolf Pack simply wouldn't quit. Just over eight minutes into the third period, Adam Sýkora corralled a puck in the right corner and slid it up the boards to Casey Fitzgerald at the point. The captain fired a shot into traffic that clipped Daniel Walcott in front and trickled by Bjarnason, tying the game at one.

The goal was Walcott's first as a member of the Wolf Pack.

Hartford got another late power play bid after Ty Murchison went off for roughing, but they couldn't convert before time expired, sending the game to overtime.

Headed Home for the Holidays

The Wolf Pack started the extra frame on the man advantage, but they were unable to find the twine. The sides traded chances throughout the remainder of the bonus session, but Martin and Bjarnason held strong once again, forcing the game to a shootout.

Tucker Robertson opened the skills competition with a goal in the top of the first round, while Brett Berard's bid was unsuccessful. Pederson and Trey Fix-Wolansky each failed to convert in the second round.

The third round had some controversy, as Martin tripped Anthony Richard during his initial attempt. Officials allowed Richard a second try, but Martin made the save to keep the Wolf Pack's hopes alive.

At the other end, Brendan Brisson converted, stuffing a shot by Bjarnason to force a fourth round.

However, the competition would end there. Marody scored for the Phantoms, while Dylan Roobroeck had his attempt stopped, giving the Phantoms the extra point.

Up Next

The Wolf Pack return to action after the holiday break, heading down to Bridgeport next Saturday, December 27, for round three of the Battle of Connecticut against the Islanders. Puck drop is set for 5 pm.