Wolf Pack Can't Complete Comeback, Fall to Americans 4-2

The Hartford Wolf Pack continued their season-long eight game road trip on Friday night. After a tough game in Hershey on Wednesday, they began a swing through upstate New York by visiting the Rochester Americans.

The Wolf Pack trailed heading into the third period, but a comeback effort made it a one-goal game late in regulation time. However, the Wolf Pack couldn't find the equalizer, falling to the Americans 4-2.

Green With Envy

The Wolf Pack came out with a strong start to the game, a big improvement on their loss to Hershey on Wednesday. However, former Wolf Pack netminder Talyn Boyko kept them off the board, denying 11 shots in the period.

A late tripping call against Lucas Vanroboys sent the Americans to the power play. On the man advantage, Caleb Jones broke the ice, sending a shot through traffic and over the pad of Spencer Martin to give the home side the game's first lead. The home side took the lead into the first intermission.

The Amerks doubled the lead about midway through the second stanza. Matthew Peca won a battle in front of the net and tapped a feed from Conor Sheary home to put Rochester up by two. The Wolf Pack pressed late, but Boyko stood tall, sending the game into the second intermission with the Americans up 2-0.

Aidan McDonough potted a power play goal just under the five minute mark of the final frame to make it 3-0 Americans.

However, the Wolf Pack put together a valiant comeback effort. Matteo Constantini was whistled for high-sticking about 11 minutes into the third period. On the ensuing power play, Liam Greentree lit the lamp, blasting home a feed from Justin Dowling to get the Wolf Pack on the board.

The goal was Greentree's team-leading seventh of the campaign. Greentree's seven goal also lead all AHL rookies in that department.

Van the Man

Just three minutes later, the Wolf Pack cut the lead to one. Justin Nachbaur corralled a loose puck below the right circle and sent it to the net front. The puck clipped the skate of Vanroboys and pinballed by Boyko to give Hartford late life.

The goal was Vanroboys' second of the season, while Nachbaur picked up his first point with the Wolf Pack. Marc Del Gaizo had the secondary assist on both goals, giving him a five-game point streak. The Wolf Pack captain has recorded six points (1 G, 5 A) in that span.

The Wolf Pack continued to apply pressure, but it would be too little too late. The equalizer would elude them, while Trevor Kuntar nailed the empty net to cement the 4-2 final.

Up Next

The Wolf Pack wrap up the weekend tomorrow in Syracuse, visiting the Crunch for the only time this season. Puck drop is set for 5 pm.