Charlotte Checkers Report (Nov. 8)
Photo: wbtv.com
It’s that time of the week again to review and preview what’s going on in Charlotte Checkers world. Last Friday we checked in with our first report of the season, as the Checkers were preparing to take on the Monsters in Cleveland for back to back games. Unfortunately, we didn’t come away with a victory. On Friday night, the Checkers battled the Cleveland Monsters in a tightly-contested game that led to overtime, but later fell 2-1 in the extra frame. The next day’s rematch wasn’t nearly as close of a game, with Charlotte falling 5-1.
Aside from the overtime game-winner, both goals were scored early in last Friday’s contest. Cleveland found the back of the net just three minutes into the game, but Eetu Luostarinen would answer minutes later for the Checkers. What then became a goalie battle for the rest of the game saw Alex Nedeljkovic turn in a spectacular performance, like the ones we were accustomed to seeing last year. Through the three periods, he turned away 31 of the 32 shots faced. His performance wouldn’t be rewarded however, with Nathan Gerbe scoring less than a minute into the overtime frame on a breakaway that gave the Monsters the overtime victory and Nedeljkovic the loss.
Coming away with just one point on Friday night, the Checkers were eager to get revenge. But revenge wasn’t in the cards for the visiting team. Anton Forsberg got the start in the net for the Checkers and didn’t have one of his better games. He gave up two goals in the first, one in the second, and two more in the third period. The only goal of the night scored by the Checkers was from Steven Lorentz, assisted by Jake Bean and Roland Mckeown. Five different Monsters found the back of the net against Forsberg.
With only one point after last weekend’s series in Cleveland, the Checkers hope to rebound this weekend at home. Beginning tonight, Charlotte will be hosting their third series of the year in Bojangles Coliseum, with games tonight and tomorrow against the Springfield Thunderbirds. Springfield is currently tied for 2nd-place in the Atlantic Division with 16 points on the season, while Charlotte is tied for last (with the Sound Tigers) with only 9 points. It has been a rough start to the season so far for the Checkers, especially after the most successful season in franchise history last year. But there’s a lot of season left to go, so make sure you come on out and support your Checkers!
Garett