Tung Stars as Wolf Pack Down Thunderbirds 3–1
Rookie goaltender Callum Tung delivered an outstanding 36-save performance to backstop the Hartford Wolf Pack to a 3–1 win over the Springfield Thunderbirds in their latest I-91 Rivalry clash.
Coming off a playoff-eliminating loss to Providence, Hartford entered Saturday’s matchup looking to reset. Despite facing heavy pressure—including 37 shots from Springfield—the Wolf Pack rode a dominant first period to secure the victory, earning at least a split in the season series.
Hartford struck first midway through the opening frame. After sustained pressure in the offensive zone, Dylan Roobroeck set up Bryce McConnell-Barker, who quickly fed Anton Blidh for the finish, giving the visitors an early lead.
Just over a minute later, the Wolf Pack capitalized on a power play. Brendan Brisson started the rush and later finished it in style, converting a slick return pass from Trey Fix-Wolansky with a between-the-legs goal to double the advantage.
The scoring surge continued less than a minute later when Scott Morrow fired a shot that deflected off the post and goaltender Vadim Zherenko before crossing the line, making it 3–0.
Springfield answered late in the first period, with Hugh McGing scoring on an odd-man rush to cut the deficit to two. However, that would be as close as they’d get.
The second period saw plenty of intensity but no scoring, as Tung turned aside 13 shots to maintain the lead. He remained sharp in the third, stopping all 12 shots he faced to shut the door on any comeback attempt.
The win snapped Hartford’s seven-game losing streak, with Tung earning first-star honors for his near-flawless outing.
The two teams will meet twice more before the season ends, including Hartford’s final home game and the regular-season finale in Springfield.
Next, the Wolf Pack travel to Bridgeport to face the Islanders, before returning home midweek for their final matchup in the Battle of Connecticut.
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