Checkers vs B-Sens: Open Game Thread (Game 1 / AHL Eastern Conference Finals)

by Carolyn Christians on May 12, 2011 6:30 PM EDT in Charlotte Checkers

22-year-old Mike Murphy has been a wall in goal since he came back from injury during the Hershey series last month.

The first game of the AHL Eastern Conference Finals is set to begin at 7:05pm at the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte.The Charlotte Checkers and Binghamton Senators (Ottawa's affiliate) face off tonight in this best-of-7 series which will determine which team goes on to the Calder Cup Finals.

Mike Murphy (7-3, 1.79 GAA, .944 Save %) is expected to get the start (his 11th consecutive since he returned from injury in game 3 of the Hershey series last month), while the highly regarded 19-year-old Swede Robin Lehner (7-2, 2.59 GAA, .926 Save %) will be manning the pipes at the other end of the rink for the Sens.

Good news if you couldn't make it to Charlotte: every game in this round will be broadcast in the Carolina's for Time Warner Cable Customers on Channel 520. They'll also have it up in the Binghamton area on TWC Sports Channel 23 (HD Channel 813). If neither of those is an option for you, AHLLive.com will have free radio and pay-per-view video streaming.

For roster notes, stats and other informaton on both teams check out the 3-page pdf: Canes Country's Game Guide: Checkers vs Senators (Game 1) .

Also, the Checkers have their in-house Series Tracker with stats, notes and links. For the Sens, their beat writer, Joy Lindsay is in Charlotte, and has posted updates over at her blog or in the Binghamton paper's B-Sens page . You can also refer to the Senators own site.

I'll be at the game and will drop in with some comments during the game - let me know if you have any questions I can answer from inside the arena.

Tweet Comment 113 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Greetings from TWCA. Fitzgerald is taking warmups, but Sanguinetti is not. Dalpe is out there. Matsumoto is as well as Pistilli. Both Mickflikier and Herauf are skating, so someone will be scratched. We had heard earlier that Matsu was a gametime decision.

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on May 12, 2011 6:33 PM EDT reply actions

any idea why Sanguinetti has been scratched a lot as of late?

by Crazychf on May 12, 2011 6:37 PM EDT up reply actions

I’ve heard it’s because he is still getting back into game shape after the lengthy recovery from hip surgery. With back-to-backs he has only played one w/Fitz getting to fill in. Also, if things get chippy as they did w/Pens and Bears, it’s nice to have him available. I don’t expect the Sens to be nearly that eager to scrum.

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on May 12, 2011 6:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Murphy and Lehner the starters as reported earlier.

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on May 12, 2011 6:34 PM EDT reply actions

All the expected Canes front office personnel are in the house. (those in charge of player development and contract negotiation)

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on May 12, 2011 6:58 PM EDT reply actions

Light crowd, expecting maybe 4000 at most. Tomorrow should be a much bigger crowd.

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on May 12, 2011 7:01 PM EDT reply actions

#Checkers starters: G Murphy, D Faulk-Rodney, F Sutter-Dalpe-Pistilli.

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on May 12, 2011 7:03 PM EDT reply actions

Looks like Micflikier is the scratch. Matsumoto is playing.

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on May 12, 2011 7:08 PM EDT up reply actions

woooo hooo

Go Checkers !!! wow a checkmate who can sing !!! hehehe TV coverage is so freaking cool !!

What did you do during the playoffs ? Go Checkers !!!

by CaniacSteve on May 12, 2011 7:07 PM EDT reply actions

yo yo, wife turned the channel with the checkmate on the anthem! boo! I think she is a Communist!

by CanesBigHitter on May 12, 2011 7:08 PM EDT reply actions

hehehe you funny

I was hopng"bug" would sing it!!!

What did you do during the playoffs ? Go Checkers !!!

by CaniacSteve on May 12, 2011 7:09 PM EDT up reply actions

Go Checkers!

good to see some hockey on TV

by CanesBigHitter on May 12, 2011 7:09 PM EDT reply actions

Wooo

Lets go Checkers! Boo for lack of digital cable

by unyieldingflan on May 12, 2011 7:10 PM EDT reply actions

Senators score! dammit

by CanesBigHitter on May 12, 2011 7:10 PM EDT reply actions

boooo hiiis senators score Lets go Checker !!!!

What did you do during the playoffs ? Go Checkers !!!

by CaniacSteve on May 12, 2011 7:10 PM EDT reply actions

Goal – off a big rebound. I think it was Benoit..

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on May 12, 2011 7:10 PM EDT reply actions

Yes!!!!

by CanesBigHitter on May 12, 2011 7:11 PM EDT reply actions

1-1

LET’S GO!

by CanesBigHitter on May 12, 2011 7:11 PM EDT reply actions

boooo that was too quick

by unyieldingflan on May 12, 2011 7:11 PM EDT reply actions

woooo hoooo

it’ tied !!!!!!

What did you do during the playoffs ? Go Checkers !!!

by CaniacSteve on May 12, 2011 7:11 PM EDT reply actions

wooooooo

by unyieldingflan on May 12, 2011 7:11 PM EDT reply actions

2-1

C;mon D

2-1 Sens

by CanesBigHitter on May 12, 2011 7:13 PM EDT reply actions

whatis upwith this…murphy was a tick slow…sens lead 2-1 wirth thecheckers skating around too much tooo

What did you do during the playoffs ? Go Checkers !!!

by CaniacSteve on May 12, 2011 7:13 PM EDT reply actions

totally agree. slew footed

by CanesBigHitter on May 12, 2011 7:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Gave up a 2-1 rush and a beautiful goal by the bad team. Nothing Murphy could really do

by CanesBigHitter on May 12, 2011 7:13 PM EDT reply actions

Ooh

Getting physical by Checkers caused turnover in D zone by Sens. Maybe that’s the key? Get more hits in and more turnovers.

by CanesBigHitter on May 12, 2011 7:15 PM EDT reply actions

could be....could very well be

Go Checkers !!!

What did you do during the playoffs ? Go Checkers !!!

by CaniacSteve on May 12, 2011 7:16 PM EDT reply actions

Totally different game to watch than the previous series. as expected. WIde open, lots of passing and movement.

Faulk is not w/Fitzgerald. Borer w/Rodney.

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on May 12, 2011 7:18 PM EDT reply actions

Power play Checkers?

by CanesBigHitter on May 12, 2011 7:19 PM EDT reply actions

Penalty against Sens. Checkers to a PP. 12:32 left in 1st.

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on May 12, 2011 7:19 PM EDT reply actions

sens are pressing more checkers having a problem getting out ..Cowen for the the sensjust finished a good eason with theSpokane Chiefs too

What did you do during the playoffs ? Go Checkers !!!

by CaniacSteve on May 12, 2011 7:19 PM EDT reply actions

good passing on PP -good pressure

by CanesBigHitter on May 12, 2011 7:21 PM EDT reply actions

Faulk is only Dman out there. Dalpe, Matsu, Boychuk and Pistilli.

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on May 12, 2011 7:21 PM EDT reply actions

SHG by Sens. 2-on-1 easy put away.

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on May 12, 2011 7:22 PM EDT reply actions

Wow…not looking so good

2 years to the Cup

by Caniac233 on May 12, 2011 7:22 PM EDT reply actions

Bryan Rodney is terrible defensively even at the AHL level

by Kahz on May 12, 2011 7:22 PM EDT reply actions

hold the phone…dude

2 years to the Cup

by Caniac233 on May 12, 2011 7:22 PM EDT up reply actions

or dudess

2 years to the Cup

by Caniac233 on May 12, 2011 7:23 PM EDT up reply actions

What?

by Kahz on May 12, 2011 7:23 PM EDT up reply actions

gimme a break on the “is terrible” thing.

2 years to the Cup

by Caniac233 on May 12, 2011 7:25 PM EDT up reply actions

I deleted the excessively inappropriate language there – let’s keep it PG13, please.

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on May 12, 2011 7:48 PM EDT up reply actions

thanks…I am sure it was a one off for Kahz

2 years to the Cup

by Caniac233 on May 12, 2011 7:52 PM EDT up reply actions

Boo

3-1 Sens on a shortie – 2 on 0 rush

by CanesBigHitter on May 12, 2011 7:22 PM EDT reply actions

aww boooo sens score again….a shortie too drat !!!

What did you do during the playoffs ? Go Checkers !!!

by CaniacSteve on May 12, 2011 7:22 PM EDT reply actions

Dalpe withe goal 3-2. I keep forgetting I shouldnt cheer. From Sutter.

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on May 12, 2011 7:25 PM EDT reply actions

wooooo hoooo Zach Dalpe !!!

yeee haw….azach attack !!!

What did you do during the playoffs ? Go Checkers !!!

by CaniacSteve on May 12, 2011 7:25 PM EDT reply actions

Dalpe’s goal was from Pistilli and Sutter.

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on May 12, 2011 7:26 PM EDT reply actions

what / Interference ? naw the ref needs new contacts

What did you do during the playoffs ? Go Checkers !!!

by CaniacSteve on May 12, 2011 7:29 PM EDT reply actions

Bobby Butler 4-2 Sens

by CanesBigHitter on May 12, 2011 7:31 PM EDT reply actions

boooo hiiiis sens score yet again….crapola !!!!

What did you do during the playoffs ? Go Checkers !!!

by CaniacSteve on May 12, 2011 7:31 PM EDT reply actions

Great backdoor coverage for the D and great PK by the Checkers

by CanesBigHitter on May 12, 2011 7:36 PM EDT reply actions

Checkers on the PP

by CanesBigHitter on May 12, 2011 7:37 PM EDT reply actions

Hooking penalty against Benoit. PP for the Checkers. 2:24 left in 1st. Still 4-2. SOG are 12-7, Sens.

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on May 12, 2011 7:38 PM EDT reply actions

Goal Checkers. Looks like Nash. 3-2.

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on May 12, 2011 7:38 PM EDT reply actions

Sorry – 4-3. 7 goals in 18 minutes. only took 16 secs of PP to do that.

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on May 12, 2011 7:39 PM EDT up reply actions

woooo hoooo Nash scores !!!!! 4-3

What did you do during the playoffs ? Go Checkers !!!

by CaniacSteve on May 12, 2011 7:38 PM EDT reply actions

YESS! 3-4 Checkers Riley Nash

by CanesBigHitter on May 12, 2011 7:38 PM EDT reply actions

Assists from Bowman and Terry.

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on May 12, 2011 7:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Power play goal

by CanesBigHitter on May 12, 2011 7:39 PM EDT reply actions

Another Checkers PP coming up. Delayed.

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on May 12, 2011 7:39 PM EDT reply actions

def. a new buzz for the Checkers after that goal

by CanesBigHitter on May 12, 2011 7:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Delayed penalty on the Sens

by CanesBigHitter on May 12, 2011 7:40 PM EDT reply actions

Slash on Zack Smith. 1:05 remaining in 1st.

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on May 12, 2011 7:40 PM EDT reply actions

jason karmanos wll be th1st period interview !!

What did you do during the playoffs ? Go Checkers !!!

by CaniacSteve on May 12, 2011 7:42 PM EDT reply actions

End of 1, 4-3. Here’s your gamesheet for all the details

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on May 12, 2011 7:42 PM EDT reply actions

man, after that goal to make it 3-1 Sens, I thought they were going to run away with it. Kudos to the Checkers to make a game of it to end the 1st

by CanesBigHitter on May 12, 2011 7:42 PM EDT reply actions

Fun to watch

this was a bit of a wide open 1st period….wow! It was a little too much like CYHA…but fun.
I noticed OSala looking like a man among boys and Jordan looked liek the best defender. Murphy was hung out to dry a bit.

2 years to the Cup

by Caniac233 on May 12, 2011 7:47 PM EDT reply actions

I sadl6 have to agree with ya !!

What did you do during the playoffs ? Go Checkers !!!

by CaniacSteve on May 12, 2011 7:48 PM EDT up reply actions

yes on Murphy – it was a combined 4 on 1 rush by the Sens on those 2 goals! I was hoping that he could make those saves

by CanesBigHitter on May 12, 2011 7:49 PM EDT up reply actions

all of the front office is at the game from Raleigh too according toJason Karmanos

What did you do during the playoffs ? Go Checkers !!!

by CaniacSteve on May 12, 2011 7:51 PM EDT reply actions

yes it’s true.

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on May 12, 2011 7:54 PM EDT up reply actions

hehehe

I don’tthink JK would tell a “fib” dovyou ?? BTW are the kids having fun ??

What did you do during the playoffs ? Go Checkers !!!

by CaniacSteve on May 12, 2011 7:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Seem to be. They like all these goals, that for sure.

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on May 12, 2011 8:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Intermission Laugh

You gotta see this from Ben Crane the golfer and hockey fan: (totally approriate)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_KHh_c6Ha4

2 years to the Cup

by Caniac233 on May 12, 2011 7:53 PM EDT reply actions

murphy is leading them out for period # 2 !!!!leta go Checkers !!!

What did you do during the playoffs ? Go Checkers !!!

by CaniacSteve on May 12, 2011 7:59 PM EDT reply actions

Barry Brust is taking over for Lehner. Murphy still in.

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on May 12, 2011 8:00 PM EDT reply actions

4-3 go checkers !!!

What did you do during the playoffs ? Go Checkers !!!

by CaniacSteve on May 12, 2011 8:08 PM EDT reply actions

Missed the first period at the grocery store thinking I wouldn’t miss anything. GOOD GRIEF! The score is insane! Looks like Murphy probably already needs a nap with that score.

Riding the Cole-train.

by Esbee on May 12, 2011 8:11 PM EDT reply actions

SOG now 19-13, that’s only 1 SOG for the Sens this period. Half way point of the period/game.

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on May 12, 2011 8:17 PM EDT reply actions

Goal Sens on a partial 2-on 1. These plays develop so quickly. 5-3.

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on May 12, 2011 8:19 PM EDT reply actions

aww crap sens score…murphys out poggie is in ..firsttime every from murphy…

What did you do during the playoffs ? Go Checkers !!!

by CaniacSteve on May 12, 2011 8:19 PM EDT reply actions

I hated to see that. I love Murphy. I hated to see the goal more. :-(

Riding the Cole-train.

by Esbee on May 12, 2011 8:20 PM EDT up reply actions

hehehe amen tothat...

lets go Checkers !!

What did you do during the playoffs ? Go Checkers !!!

by CaniacSteve on May 12, 2011 8:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Trying to figure out how many years I have been pronouncing Justin Pogge’s name wrong.

Riding the Cole-train.

by Esbee on May 12, 2011 8:22 PM EDT reply actions

At this stage

of the game..I wouldn’t sweat it none..LOL

What did you do during the playoffs ? Go Checkers !!!

by CaniacSteve on May 12, 2011 8:25 PM EDT reply actions

Ha! Good point Steve!

Riding the Cole-train.

by Esbee on May 12, 2011 8:32 PM EDT up reply actions

The big question is what happens in goal for Jeff Daniels for tomorrow’s game.

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on May 12, 2011 8:27 PM EDT reply actions

Murphy of course

why ?? he isstill the #1 goalie

What did you do during the playoffs ? Go Checkers !!!

by CaniacSteve on May 12, 2011 8:29 PM EDT up reply actions

I would expect

Murph. He has been our guy the whole postseason. You cant that away from him and ruin his confidence after a game like this.

by Crazychf on May 12, 2011 8:29 PM EDT up reply actions

I’ll be shocked if he doesn’t start Murph. Sort of scared to see what the final score of this game is going to be though.

Riding the Cole-train.

by Esbee on May 12, 2011 8:31 PM EDT up reply actions

If We Dont Comeback

I will expect some lineup changes just to try something new. Sanguinetti in (i think he could play every game, if he is up to it) and maybe a few line changes to try something new.

by Crazychf on May 12, 2011 8:28 PM EDT reply actions

SOG are now 28 – 15. Checkers going to the PP, Z Smith called for something. That’s his 3rd minor tonight.

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on May 12, 2011 8:32 PM EDT reply actions

End of 2, Score is 5-3, SOG, 28-15. Checkers will have 1:45 power play time to start the final stanza.

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on May 12, 2011 8:32 PM EDT reply actions

man end of 2 periods…5-3..Lets Go Checkers !!!

What did you do during the playoffs ? Go Checkers !!!

by CaniacSteve on May 12, 2011 8:33 PM EDT reply actions

Boychuk sounds like Rosey in practice!

Riding the Cole-train.

by Esbee on May 12, 2011 8:34 PM EDT reply actions

+11

hehehe

What did you do during the playoffs ? Go Checkers !!!

by CaniacSteve on May 12, 2011 8:38 PM EDT reply actions

Need a big kill here…and some freaking goals.

Riding the Cole-train.

by Esbee on May 12, 2011 8:56 PM EDT reply actions

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Riding the Cole-train.

by Esbee on May 12, 2011 9:01 PM EDT reply actions

hehehe scores !!!

What did you do during the playoffs ? Go Checkers !!!

by CaniacSteve on May 12, 2011 9:02 PM EDT reply actions

Guys are getting fired up. Hope they can come back. Time for some sisu!

Riding the Cole-train.

by Esbee on May 12, 2011 9:04 PM EDT reply actions

Osala with the goal (5on3) it’s 5-4 with 12 mins left.

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on May 12, 2011 9:05 PM EDT reply actions

This is some entertaining hockey. Not exactly NHL quality, but very fun.

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on May 12, 2011 9:06 PM EDT reply actions

I was getting ready to agree with you and freaking BNG scored again. GRRRRR!!!

Riding the Cole-train.

by Esbee on May 12, 2011 9:07 PM EDT up reply actions

SOG now 34-17. Only 2 saves for Pogge on 2….. Correct that. 6-4, Sens. Sheez.

Twitter @HMof2

by Carolyn Christians on May 12, 2011 9:07 PM EDT reply actions

Um WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT??

Riding the Cole-train.

by Esbee on May 12, 2011 9:09 PM EDT reply actions

over theshoulder iswhat it was...

What did you do during the playoffs ? Go Checkers !!!

by CaniacSteve on May 12, 2011 9:12 PM EDT reply actions

NIGHTMARE is what it was! Let’s hope time goes fast so they can put this one on the shelf and get ready for tomorrow. Still got the faith but would love for this game to be over.:-(

Riding the Cole-train.

by Esbee on May 12, 2011 9:13 PM EDT up reply actions

You and me both..

asall I has is faith !!!

What did you do during the playoffs ? Go Checkers !!!

by CaniacSteve on May 12, 2011 9:15 PM EDT reply actions

Contrast

This has ben great and I look forward to catching the series on TWC. Are all games, even road, being broadcast?

Switch to game 7 Sharks VS WIngs and you get the stark contrast in talent and TV production.

One last chance for you to enjoy this very funny video done by Ben Crane golfer and hockey fan…if you don’t trust the link…go to youtube and search for Ben Crane. You will not be dissapointed and may have reason to cheer for this once “boring” no name PGA winner in the Players.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_KHh_c6Ha4

2 years to the Cup

by Caniac233 on May 12, 2011 9:20 PM EDT reply actions

The quality of the production/sound etc makes it hard to watch but just really glad I can finally watch the Checkers play. Guess it’s time to switch over.

For tomorrow…LET’S GO CHECKERS!

Riding the Cole-train.

by Esbee on May 12, 2011 9:23 PM EDT up reply actions

Never heard a hockey arena this quiet.

Riding the Cole-train.

by Esbee on May 12, 2011 9:20 PM EDT reply actions

well that'sone and tomorrow will be another day.....

shake it off boys…good nght gang…sharks & wngs…go sharks

What did you do during the playoffs ? Go Checkers !!!

by CaniacSteve on May 12, 2011 9:27 PM EDT reply actions

I’m not surprised about the result. The Checkers were coming off a very tight defensive series and suddenly playing a fast, offensive game. I expect it will be completely different tomorrow night.

by hurricane9 on May 12, 2011 9:31 PM EDT reply actions