The Springfield Thunderbirds have taken down the Charlotte Checkers in the first round of the playoffs following a Game 3 overtime victory. The Thunderbirds caught fire late in the season to clinch a playoff spot, and the good times are continuing. The Thunderbirds got a bit of a reality check in Game 1 when they were defeated 8-1. But following a goaltender change, as Georgi Romanov stepped into the crease, the series changed. In Games 2 and 3, he stopped 63 of 66 shots, a .955 save percentage. The Thunderbirds found themselves trailing after the first period in Game 2, but a strong middle frame and a great closing stanza by the Thunderbirds helped secure a 5-2 victory. While Games 1 and 2 were high scoring, Game 3 was a defensive showdown. The Thunderbirds were trailing 1-0 in the third period, but a goal by Calle Rosen tied the game. Then, in overtime, trade acquisition Julien Gauthier scored the winner after a slick pass by Otto Stenberg. Charlotte Checkers Eliminated From Calder Cup Playoffs Following Game 3 Overtime Loss [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/81b83fcc-1d69-4d0a-bfc5-121fc49b3d84.jpeg] Charlotte Checkers Eliminated From Calder Cup Playoffs Following Game 3 Overtime Loss The Charlotte Checkers season is finished following their Game 3 overtime elimination by the hands of the Springfield Thunderbirds. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/charlotte-checkers-eliminated-from-calder-cup-playoffs-following-game-3-overtime-loss] The Thunderbirds will now take on the Providence Bruins in the next round of the AHL [http://thn.com/ahl] playoffs. In addition to the Thunderbirds, the St. Louis Blues ECHL [http://thn.com/echl] affiliate is also taking on another Florida Panthers [http://thn.com/florida] affiliate, as the Florida Everblades hold a 2-0 series lead over the Savannah Ghost Pirates. The Thunderbirds continue their quest for the Calder Cup on May 1. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Image [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/ceade378-2d1b-4f5b-9427-fb5dc159b112.jpeg] For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free [https://thehockeynews.store/products/print-subscription?_gl=1*vxgsh8*_ga*NjkyMzUxMy4xNjYzNjIwMzQ3*_ga_ZET34ZFCGX*czE3NzYzNDk1ODUkbzMzNzkkZzEkdDE3NzYzNTcyNzAkajE4JGwwJGgw]. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here [http://eepurl.com/i7OC4I]. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
