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2017 Calder Cup Playoffs: Charlotte Checkers vs. Chicago Wolves - Game 5 Preview, How to Listen, Open Game Thread

It’s win or go home tonight in Chicago as the Checkers and Wolves play for the right to advance to the second round.

By Justin Lape
Jamie Kellner

(4) Charlotte Checkers at (1) Chicago Wolves
Central Division Semifinals - Game 5 - Series tied 2-2
April 26, 2017 - 8:00 p.m. ET
Allstate Arena - Rosemont, IL
Listen: Checkers mobile app

Charlotte Checkers 2017 Playoff Coverage

Jamie Kellner

Keys to the game:

  1. Wall to Wall: Lucas Wallmark was responsible for the lone goal in the Checkers’ disappointing Game 4 loss. Wallmark must be The Guy again for the Checkers if they are to move on to round two. He leads the AHL in playoff scoring with six points (3 goals, 3 assists).
  2. Which McCollum shows up? Tonight’s game for Charlotte largely could come down to how well Checkers goalie Tom McCollum plays in the crucible of Game 5. He let in shots last night that could have been easy saves but his positioning was way off. He must take away the angles he gave Chicago last night and play much like he did in Games 1 and 3.
  3. Don’t Turn Your Back on the Wolfpack: Samuel Blais and Adam Musil have been a headache for the Checkers so far in the series. Both players have four points apiece in the series and have led the way for Chicago despite MVP Kenny Agostino not scoring at his usual pace. Charlotte must slow down the duo if they don't want their season to end tonight.