Charlotte Checkers Report (Jan. 4)
Photo: wbtv.com
Welcome to the first Charlotte Checkers report of the new year! Most of us are looking forward to seeing what 2020 has in store for us, but Checkers fans especially are. After a slow start to the season, the Checkers have been clawing their way back up the standings with seven wins in their last nine games. As the team prepares for their first game of the new year tonight, they ended 2019 on a three-game winning streak and won both of their games in Cleveland last week against the Monsters. I’m very anxious to see just how long the Checkers can stay hot.
The pair of games this past week against the Monsters took place on Saturday and Monday, and it was a great defensive showing. Alex Nedeljkovic got the start in the net for the Checkers on Saturday and only had to face 19 shot attempts all night. Of the 19, he turned away 18 of them to earn his 3rd win in his last four starts. The offense had themselves a night as well. Five different Checkers got into the scoring column in the 5-1 victory, where Gustav Forsling and Fredrik Claesson led the way with a goal and assist each. The offense just pelted Cleveland goalie Matiss Kivlenieks all night long with a total of 41 shots on goal. It was a great way to start the weekend series in Cleveland.
After getting Sunday off, the two teams were back at it on Monday, where Anton Forsberg got the start in the net for Charlotte. He faced nine more shot attempts than Nedeljkovic had to the previous game, but still only gave up one goal in the 3-1 win against his former team. Max McCormick opened up the game’s scoring with a goal halfway through the first period. It was matched with the only goal in the second, from Monster Derek Barach. Going into the final period of play knotted up at one goal apiece, Oliwer Kaski scored the go-ahead goal for the Checkers and David Gust added an empty netter to seal the deal. It was an outstanding game from Forsberg, and a great way to end an awesome 2019, with the team’s first 3-game win streak of the season.
The Checkers will look to build on their recent success tonight in Providence against the Bruins. The two-game series will wrap up tomorrow, where they will then travel down to Pennsylvania for a mid-week game against the Penguins. The Bruins are currently tied for 2nd in the Atlantic Division with 43 points and the Penguins are 5th with 39. The Checkers currently have 35 points on the season and sit in 6th place. If you can’t wait to watch some more action at Bojangles’ Coliseum like us, go ahead and order your tickets for the next home games that will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday, January 14 and 15, against the Hershey Bears. Like always, go Checkers!
Garett