May the force be with us – at least in a larger dose than it has as of late. We are hurting in this category at the moment, but I will tell you what I can about the kids on the playoff roster who can push around the other team.
Manny Malholtra (C) was always a favorite in Hartford, and we are looking forward to his return to the team today. Manny was known by the Pack for his incredible speed and readiness to push and shove as needed to protect his teammates. I just looked up the numbers, though, and Manny only played 12 regular season games with us last year, and 28 this year. He has spent so much time in New York, you folks have a better idea about how he is playing than I do.
Chris Kenady (RW) is called "Animal" by his fans, and last year the name seemed to fit him well. He was a fan of the huge check, but now the only way the name applies is in the curious fact that his neck is wider than his head. Chris wasn’t re-signed this summer due to back surgery, and was signed to two consecutive PTOs by the Pack midseason after his contract with another team expired. This is in contrast to Ryan Bast, who signed a PTO at the same as Chris – but when they expired, Ryan was signed for the rest of the season, where as Chris was only offered another PTO (meaning he could be let go at any time). Very telling.
Brad Mehalko (RW) is our replacement for PJ Stock. Like PJ, Brad flies around the ice crashing into everyone and everything, trying to goad people into fights that he loses as often as he wins. But that’s okay. He’s annoying and distracting, and that’s what matters. We love him.
Tony Tuzzolino (LW) is currently injured with a "bruised hip" and is listed as day-to-day, but can barely climb the stairs in the civic center. Not a good sign. Again, another player you have gotten a good look at in New York this season. Tony has a nasty edge to his play, and always seems to be in the middle of things when fights break out at the opposing net.
Ryan Tobler (LW) is a goon. He was involved in a fight down in Philly that ended in thrown water bottles, ‘throat-slitting’ gestures, and an attempt to scale the glass between the penalty boxes. This is his first chance in the AHL, having played with IHL previous to his arrival in Hartford. He has five points in 10 games with the pack (1-4-5) and I have no idea how that happened, since he doesn’t appear to do much else besides hit people. A real ‘Dale’ kind of guy.
Richard Scott (LW) is often seen as a goon, but I think he has the potential to be more. Contrary to the average goon, Richard can skate very well and has reasonably good hands. Last time I checked, Richard was ranked third in the AHL in PIM, and for good reasons – he LOVES to fight, and is most often seen on the screen grinning manically through the glass. Last time he fought, he went to the box and started flexing for the crowd. Voted fan favorite and 7th player this year, a shift for Richard almost always means a fight is imminent.
Ben Carpentier (LW) is a scrapper who is injured most of the time. He likes to fight, but isn't that good at it - he loses more often than not. Not much else to say about him.
So that’s that – the guys we have in Hartford who play with a snarl. I am listening to the Pack’s final game right now, and will hopefully have a better idea of our lines by the end of the game, although several players are sitting out today for a rest. We still don’t know who we are playing in the first round, but I promise to let you know as soon as I do.
"You'll miss one hundred percent of the shots you don't take." #99
Heather
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