Checkers Find Themselves in 2nd Round Trouble
Charlotte Checkers
After dropping Game One of the Atlantic Division Semifinal Friday night to the Hershey Bears, the Charlotte Checkers looked to redeem themselves last night. That attempt failed, however, and the Checkers are now in a 2-0 series deficit and must win three straight games on the road in Hershey to advance. With the first two games of the series at home, a few of us were able to attend last night’s game. While always a fun time, it’s definitely better when the results are the other way around.
Until about a third of the way through the second period last night, the game was scoreless, with shots on goal being limited as well. Both sides failed to score on their first two powerplays, but the Bears would capitalize on their next one, with Joe Snively finding the back of the net. Eight minutes later, it was Mason Morelli beating Checkers goalie Jean-Francois Berube to give the visiting team a 2-0 lead going into the third.
Even though the Checkers began the third period with a minute and a half left on a powerplay, they couldn’t take advantage. Not until the nine-minute mark did the Checkers finally light up the lamp, with a goal from Ryan McAllister. It finally gave the fans something to cheer for and briefly put the Checkers right back into the game. But when I say briefly, I mean it in every sense of the word. Just 35 seconds later the Bears scored, giving them a two-goal lead once again. And about 20 seconds after that, they added one more goal. The air was quickly let out of the building and the game was all but over. Pulling their goalie in hopes of a quick turnaround with more than five minutes left in the game, Garrett Pilon scored an empty netter to give the Bears a four-goal lead, and ultimately a 5-1 win.
The Checkers didn’t play too well all night. They struggled on the powerplay and looked overmatched, even though they ended up with five more shots on goal (20-15). Berube did not have a good night at all in goal for Charlotte. Only facing 15 shots, he allowed four goals, giving him a night to forget for sure. The Checkers face a very tough test now going to Hershey and must play a lot better if they hope to continue chasing the Cup. Game Three will be Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. As always, go Checkers!
Garett