With a 5-2 win Sunday afternoon the Charlotte Checkers eliminated the Providence Bruins in game five of the AHL's Atlantic Division Semifinals.
The Checkers put on a defensive masterclass, allowing just eight shots to close out the series. They will take on the winner of the Hershey Bears/Lehigh Valley Phantoms series in the next round.
Charlotte were led offensively by Wilmer Skoog and Ben Steeves who each had three goals in the series. 10 different skaters registered a goal and 18 picked up a point for the Checkers in five games.
Kaapo Kahkonen started all five games for Charlotte finishing with a .926 SP and 1.78 GAA, highlighted by a 32 save shut out in game two.
The AHL's Goaltender of the Year in the 2019-20 season, Kahkonen will be essential for the Checkers if they hope to continue advancing.
The Bruins defeated the Springfield Thunderbirds in the best-of-three first round to advance to this series.
Brandon Bussi started game five for Providence after AHL Goaltender of the Year Michael DiPietro was injured in the third period of game four.
Vinni Lettieri, Riley Tufte, and Matt Poitras had solid showings offensively in the playoffs but ultimately could not overcome Charlotte's defense.
Lettieri led the team with seven points in eight games while Tufte paced the team with four goals.
The Atlantic Division Finals schedule will be announced following the conclusion of Hershey/Lehigh Valley game five.
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