Charlotte Checkers Report (Dec. 6)
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It’s been a week since our last report and since then the Checkers have played three games. Unfortunately, the team has yet to find their rhythm, as they’ve lost two out of the three matchups. They were swept in last weekend’s home series to the Bruins before bouncing back with a mid-week victory against the Crunch in Syracuse. With only one win, just two points were added to bring the season total to 21. If you’re wondering, the team still stands in 7th of 8th place in the Atlantic Division, just one point ahead of the last place Sound Tigers. They are now ten points behind division leader Providence Bruins.
Aside from the two losses last weekend, the thing you really hate to see was the Checkers only scoring one goal in the two games combined. As the offense continues to struggle, the losses will continue to pile up. The only goal scored in Bojangles Coliseum last weekend occurred in Friday’s contest with the Bruins, scored by Hunter Shinkaruk. Other than that, they were blanked by Bruins’ goalie Max Lagace. Charlotte goaltender Anton Forsberg didn’t have his best game either, giving up 4 goals on 29 shots faced. It was a night to forget that left the Teddy Bear Toss crowd disappointed.
Looking to rebound on Saturday and split the series, the offense again failed to show up, this time getting shut out. It was Dan Vladar’s turn to be the hero for the Bruins, who turned away all 36 shots he faced on the night. Alex Nedeljkovic was in the net for the Checkers, who has been spectacular lately. But last Saturday night he gave up 3 goals in just 20 shots faced. Adding in an empty netter, the Bruins again hung a four-spot on the scoreboard before walking out of the Coliseum. It was a very disheartening series, especially as the team showed some promise of turning the corner the week before.
Maybe all it took to spark the offense was a trip out of town. Traveling to Syracuse on Wednesday, the Checkers tallied five goals against the Crunch. It was a surprising, but impressive performance this team has been desperately missing. Julien Gauthier led the way, scoring the opening two goals of the game, and was followed by Hunter Shinkaruk, Kyle Wood, and Janne Kuokkanen with one goal apiece. Anton Forsberg got the win in the net and received major help from a stellar defense, allowing just 18 shots on goal the entire night.
Once again, Checkers fans will see if the team can follow up a good performance with a complete weekend series. That has been something the team has failed to do all season long, as inconsistency has been a big struggle. Tonight and tomorrow the Checkers will be in Rochester, New York taking on the Americans. Desperate to start stringing some wins together, it will be a tough task as they will be playing a very good team. The Americans have 32 points on the season and are in 2nd place in the North Division. Even more, they are 8-0-1-1 in their last ten games. Let’s see if the defending Calder Cup champions can go into their place and make some noise. We fans are ready for the noise. Go Checkers!
Garett