Charlotte Checkers Check-In (March 29)
Photo: charlottefive.com
Good afternoon Checkers fans! Or should I say good afternoon playoff-bound Checkers fans? That’s right, the Checkers became the first team in the AHL to clinch a spot in the playoffs earlier this week. It’s a credit to tremendous team play this entire season, which has been spectacular to watch as fans. Here’s to hoping they can finish the season strong and make a deep run in the playoffs. Since we checked in last Friday, they have contributed to that first part by winning all three of their games. Finishing their homestand last weekend, they went 2-0 against divisional opponent Hartford Wolf Pack. With a mid-week game in Hartford, they were able to take down the Sound Tigers in a 4-0 shutout.
Photo: thirdstringgoalie.blogspot.com
Before last Saturday’s game against the Wolf Pack, the Checkers already knew they were heading to the playoffs. But they didn’t let that distract them from continuing to do what they’ve been doing all season: winning. Martin Necas got the Checkers on the board first, halfway through the 1st period, sending a power play shot past goalie Brandon Halverson. Patrick Brown and Julien Gauthier both added goals in the 2nd for Charlotte, who totaled three goals on the night. All-Star goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic was in the net for Charlotte who turned away 31 shots on the night, only surrendering one. The Checkers opened the weekend series with a 3-1 victory.
In the Sunday afternoon rematch, Dustin Tokarski got the start in the net for Charlotte. While he got the win on 24 saves from 26 shots, it was the offense that stood out in this one. The Checkers sent six shots to the back of the net, leading to a 6-2 Charlotte victory. Aleksi Saarela led the way with two goals, while Tomas Jurco, Jake Bean, Morgan Geekie, and Nicolas Roy all added one of their own. It was a night when everything seemed to be clicking, and was a great way to end the homestand.
Wednesday evening the Checkers began their road trip in Bridgeport taking on the 2nd place Sound Tigers. Looking to extend their three game win-streak, Patrick Brown put the team on the board five minutes into the game with a power play goal. The offense really turned it on in the 2nd period with three goals, two of which were from Andrew Poturalski. Nedeljkovic manned the net and turned in another great performance, stopping all 23 shots and picking up his fourth shutout on the season. He also broke his own franchise record with his 32nd win on the year. Every night he’s in the goal, you have to feel confident about the team’s chances.
The Checkers now have a new franchise record with 98 points on the season, and they still have eight games left to play. They take their four-game winning streak into Hartford tonight with another bout with the Wolf Pack before visiting Bridgeport again tomorrow. Tomorrow night’s game will wrap up a short road trip and they will return to home ice next Tuesday to take on the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Make sure to go ahead and get your tickets. If you can’t make that one, they will also play at home the following night, and next Saturday and Sunday (April 6-7). Go Checkers!
Garett