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Charlotte earned two points in as many games but still ended up on the wrong end of the score sheet as the Checkers suffered a pair of overtime losses at home in a shortened week.
There are scant positives to take away from the losses having only scored a goal. However, the defense and goaltending played well enough to earn the points for the Checkers as they extend their lead to eight points over the entire American Hockey League. The scary trend? Charlotte has lost five of their last six games after winning six of seven.
Weekend Recap
Charlotte scored their lone goal of the weekend in Friday’s 2-1 overtime loss to Providence. Aleksi Saarela released a shot from the point that was tipped in by Julien Gauthier with 27 seconds left in the game to send it to overtime. However, Cameron Hughes scored in overtime to give Providence the win. Alex Nedeljkovic played well for the Checkers, stopping 29 of 31 shots. Zane McIntyre stopped 28 of the 29 Checkers shots he faced.
The Checkers were fortunate enough to secure a point as they suffered a 1-0 overtime loss to Providence on Saturday. Gemel Smith scored in overtime against Scott Darling to give the Bruins the win. The Checkers put 37 shots on Bruins goalie Dan Vladar and generated chances on four power plays but could not convert.
Thought of the Week
Dear Haydn Fleury,
You’re not a bad player. Quite frankly, you’re a competent defenseman at the NHL and an elite one at the AHL level. I’m not sure why the Hurricanes keep choosing you specifically to call-up and send down other than having an extra body for games. All I want to say is two things: I’m sorry you have had to go through this recently, and don’t buy real estate in Raleigh or the Queen City.
Sincerely,
Canes Country and its readers
Player(s) of the Week
Well, obviously not the offense. Only one goal in a pair of games is not great but this weeks players of the week go to both goaltenders. Scott Darling and Alex Nedeljkovic did all they could this weekend to secure two points. Unfortunately, Charlotte’s strong offense hit a rough patch.
Looking Ahead
The Cleveland Monsters come to town for a pair of games Tuesday and Wednesday. Charlotte will then hit the road for two games against the Hershey Bears. The two games will begin a five-game road trip for Charlotte before they return home on Feb. 22.