Top New York Rangers prospects resurging with the Wolf Pack in hopes of returning to the NHL
Photo credit: AHL.com
The New York Rangers have a bright spot in Hartford with Brett Berard and Brennan Othmann. The duo could end up turning things around in Hartford after a string of losses.
Berard and Othmann aren't your typical power forwards in the lineup. They're small and skilled, and have an ease of moving the puck on the ice.
They've only played 38 games this season for the Hartford Wolfpack, and combined have scored a total of 29 points ( 14 G, 15 A).
The dynamic duo have formed a chemistry that is paying off for the Wolfpack, who helped elevate the offense in a 6-3 loss to the Rochester Americans.
«Hopefully those guys start to get hot,» head coach Grant Potuly noted after the 6-3 loss to the Americans, a game where the team battled back from 5-1 down in the third period to make the game close at the end. «This team doesn't have any quit. You appreciate the fact that we continue to play through the end of the game,» Potulny noted about a stretch where they battled back in two games with Berard and Othmann leading the way.
The Wolfpack and Americans would end up in an all-out line brawl at the end of the second period to give you an idea of the intensity of the game itself.
Both players scored two goals in the loss, while they were trailing the Americans 3-1 late in the third period to tie the game.
Othmann is Dirty
Othmann isn't afraid of getting in the dirty areas of the ice, to score goals in addition to his already spectacular shot.
However, what stood out was his goal against the Rocket where he skated to the dirty area near the crease to collect the loose puck to score. «He was moving his feet and inside the dots,» Potulny noted when discussing that goal.
He scored 21 goals last season, and with his elite shot could once again post it if he keeps up his play as of late. He's had to struggle through recovery from an upper-body injury, but has since found his niche in the lineup, and added some physicality to his game afterward
Berard has scored 17 points off of the rush (8 G, 9 A) and has excellent offensive instincts.
Both skaters are smaller but will be middle six options for the Rangers in the future. They will put themselves on the map once they improve defensively. The ability to defend is a big key for the two not just in the long run but to help save the Wolf Pack season.
While he can be accused of holding the puck too long his ability to create plays makes up for his miscalculations.
The two play well together, and with Othmann's shot, and Berard's playmaking could be a match made in heaven in New York once they're promoted.
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