Checkers check-up: Charlotte riding points streak, hosts Florida Panthers night
Lucas Carlsson continues to be one of the top producing defensemen in the AHL
Checkers check-up: Charlotte riding points streak, hosts Florida Panthers night
A solid couple of weeks may be just what the doctor ordered for the Charlotte Checkers.
The Florida Panthers’ AHL affiliate is currently riding a four-game points streak (3-0-1) that came directly on a heels of a frustrating 1-7-0 stretch.
It’s been that kind of season for Charlotte.
Fortunately, the Checkers are still in the thick of the playoff race and have 23 games remaining to get where they want to be.
“We’ve had a lot of chances throughout the year that haven’t gone in, but I can tell you that guys have put a lot of work in,” Checkers Head Coach Geordie Kinnear said after Sunday’s 5-3 win over Springfield. “They stick to it and they don’t really get frustrated very often. They just keep doing what they’re supposed to do and eventually know it will turn.”
On Saturday, when they hosted the Springfield Thunderbirds, Charlotte held Florida Panthers Night.
They wore special Panthers jerseys that auctioned off, raising around $30,000, according to the Checkers.
Defenseman Lucas Carlsson is on a season-best seven-game points streak, with two goals and eight points during the run.
He remains tied for the AHL lead in goals by a defenseman with 14.
Mackie Samoskevich had a three-game points streak (1-3-4) snapped during Sunday’s win over Springfield. He’s up to 12 goals and 30 points in 39 games with Charlotte this season.
Justin Sourdif scored his tenth goal of the season on Sunday for Charlotte. He’s scored twice over his past three outings, as has fellow youngster Ryan McAllister.
McAllister has played 26 games this season for the Checkers and is up to eight goals and 13 points.
Goaltender Spencer Knight has won three of his past four starts, stopping 65 of 71 shots during the three dubs. He holds 16-12-6 record on the season with a 2.71 goals against average and .896 save percentage.
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