By Zack Grenier

Hartford, CT, December 6, 2014 – In a physical battle at the XL Center Saturday night, the Hartford Wolf Pack fell victim to a streaking Springfield Falcons team and lost in a shootout, 1-0.

Hartford’s Cedrick Desjardins came up big for the Wolf Pack, stopping all 32 shots he faced in regulation and overtime.

Springfield’s Anton Forsberg halted 30 shots from the Wolf Pack offense. Forsberg came up big in the shootout as well, stopping all three shooters he faced. The Falcons’ Sean Collins was the only player to find the back of the net in the shootout.

“I thought we played a good hockey club in a good hard game,” said Hartford coach Ken Gernander.

The Wolf Pack offense had been dominating Springfield in the shot department throughout the game until the third period. In the third, Springfield threw 17 shots at Desjardins, who was able to push them all away.

“That’s team defense,” said Gernander. “Everybody has to chip in in their coverage and within your structure, but sometimes you have to do a little extra too, and that extra effort a lot of times is the difference.”

The game went in to overtime with neither goalie allowing a puck past them yet. The Falcons had a 3-on-1 opportunity with under 30 seconds left but they missed the net. Hartford was able to get a good chance off of their missed shot when Chris Mueller found himself on a breakaway, but he was unable to capitalize either.

“It’s frustrating that we didn’t get one in,” said Hartford’s Joey Crabb. “We were happy with the effort and everyone was working hard and doing the right thing.”

The game went to a shootout, in which Collins was the only player from either team to score. Collins went to his backhand and was able to slide the puck through the legs of Desjardins.

The Wolf Pack have a quick turnaround, as they face the Binghamton Senators Sunday afternoon at the XL Center.

“For us, we have to try to find a way to games like this,” said Desjardins. “We want to stay in the mix until Christmas and make a push after, so we have to get some points in the next couple games.”

The Wolf Pack’s game against Binghamton Sunday is a 3:00 PM faceoff. That is the next opportunity for fans to take advantage of the Wolf Pack’s “Click It or Ticket Family Value Packs”, which include two tickets, two sodas and two hot dogs, all for only $35.

Tickets for all 2014-15 Wolf Pack home games are now on sale at the XL Center ticket office, 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, or click here to request more info.


Springfield Falcons 1 (SO) at Hartford Wolf Pack 0
Saturday, December 6, 2014 – XL Center

Springfield 0 0 0 0 – 1
Hartford 0 0 0 0 – 0

1st Period- No Scoring. Penalties-Labrie Spr (roughing), 7:43; D’Amigo Spr (tripping), 11:49; Hoeffel Spr (delay of game), 16:28.

2nd Period- No Scoring. Penalties-Bodie Hfd (tripping), 1:53; Vaive Hfd (interference), 7:11; Vaive Hfd (interference), 13:37; St. Denis Spr (holding), 19:08.

3rd Period- No Scoring. Penalties-Bodie Hfd (unsportsmanlike conduct), 5:25; C. Bourque Hfd (tripping), 13:56; Tynan Spr (cross-checking), 15:12.

OT Period- No Scoring. Penalties-Allen Hfd (roughing), 7:00.

Shootout – Springfield 1 (Collins G, Wennberg NG), Hartford 0 (Bourque NG, Kristo NG, Mueller NG).
Shots on Goal-Springfield 4-8-17-2-1-32. Hartford 11-13-4-2-0-30.
Power Play Opportunities-Springfield 0 / 5; Hartford 0 / 5.
Goalies-Springfield, Forsberg 11-2-0 (30 shots-30 saves). Hartford, Desjardins 5-3-1 (31 shots-31 saves).
A-4,216
Referees-Kendrick Nicholson (44), Alex Garon (64).
Linesmen-Luke Galvin (2), Derek Wahl (46).