Hartford Wolf Pack fall to Utica Comets 2-1

The loss marks the Wolf Pack's ninth defeat in their last ten games.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Hartford Wolf Pack lost 2-1 to the Utica Comets at PeoplesBank Arena on Friday night. The game remained scoreless through the first two periods, but Ethan Edwards and Marc McLaughlin scored for the Comets in the third period to give them a 2-0 lead. Juuso Pärssinen scored a late goal for the Wolf Pack, but they were unable to equalize before the final buzzer.

Why it matters

The Wolf Pack have struggled mightily in recent weeks, losing 9 of their last 10 games. This loss continues their downward spiral and raises questions about the team's ability to turn things around as they fight to stay in playoff contention.

The details

Neither team scored in the first two periods despite several high-quality chances. Utica goaltender Nico Daws made 5 saves in the first period, while Dylan Garand stopped 11 shots to keep the game scoreless through 40 minutes. Ethan Edwards broke the deadlock for the Comets 10:05 into the third period, and Marc McLaughlin extended the lead to 2-0 at 12:30 during four-on-four play. Juuso Pärssinen scored a late goal for the Wolf Pack at 17:26 of the third period, but they were unable to equalize before the final buzzer.

  • The game was played on Friday, February 21, 2026.
  • Ethan Edwards scored for the Comets at 10:05 of the third period.
  • Marc McLaughlin scored for the Comets at 12:30 of the third period.
  • Juuso Pärssinen scored for the Wolf Pack at 17:26 of the third period.

The players

Nico Daws

The goaltender for the Utica Comets who made 5 saves in the first period.

Dylan Garand

The goaltender for the Hartford Wolf Pack who stopped 11 shots to keep the game scoreless through 40 minutes.

Ethan Edwards

The Comets player who scored the opening goal of the game in the third period.

Marc McLaughlin

The Comets player who scored the second goal of the game in the third period.

Juuso Pärssinen

The Wolf Pack player who scored their lone goal in the third period.

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What they’re saying

“We must find a way to start games stronger and limit the number of goals we allow in the third period. This is a tough stretch, but we have to keep working to turn things around.”

— Kris Knoblauch, Head Coach, Hartford Wolf Pack

What’s next

The Wolf Pack's next game is on Saturday night against the Belleville Senators. Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m.

The takeaway

The Hartford Wolf Pack's recent struggles highlight the challenges of maintaining consistency in a competitive professional hockey league. As they fight to stay in playoff contention, the team will need to find ways to start games stronger and limit third-period lapses if they hope to turn their season around.