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(1) Chicago Wolves at (4) Charlotte Checkers
Central Division Semifinals - Game 1
April 20, 2017 - 7:00 p.m. ET
Bojangles Coliseum - Charlotte, NC
Listen: ESPN 730 AM - Listen online - Checkers mobile app
Keys to Victory
- Home Sweet Home: The Charlotte Checkers went 27-10-1 at home during the regular season, which ranked 4th best in the AHL. It is key the Checkers take advantage of the series starting at Bojangles Coliseum. The team must use the home crowd to their advantage and try to go up 2-0 before heading to Chicago to finish out the series.
- Leaders of the Pack: Charlotte must focus on Chicago's top scorers, Kenny Agostino and Wade Megan, who lead the offensive attack. Agostino led the AHL in scoring with 83 points (24 goals, 59 assists) in 65 games and Megan also had a solid year, ranking fourth in AHL scoring. Charlotte's defensemen must focus on cutting off passing lanes and remaining physical to knock Agostino and Megan off their games. Control those two players and you control the series. If not, it could get sloppy quick.
- In Tom We Trust: Tom McCollum was stellar in the late half of the season and without him, the Checkers may have not even been in the position they are in. If McCollum remains in form, the Checkers have a chance. The Checkers went 2-5-1 against Chicago this season and will need McCollum to be in top form to make it to the next round.
Prediction: Checkers in 5.
Poll
How will the first-round series between the Checkers and Wolves finish?
This poll is closed
-
6%
Checkers in 3
(1 vote) -
37%
Checkers in 4
(6 votes) -
25%
Checkers in 5
(4 votes) -
6%
Wolves in 3
(1 vote) -
18%
Wolves in 4
(3 votes) -
6%
Wolves in 5
(1 vote)