:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63182519/32320815537_e531b1ec58_o_d.0.jpg)
The Charlotte Checkers started the month of February 1-2-3 through six games. Since then, they’ve won six of seven games and are rolling on a four game win streak heading into the final full month of the regular season. After speaking with head coach Mike Vellucci on Friday, he stressed the importance of the team peaking at the right time down the stretch. It looks like the team is doing just that.
Weekend Recap
Canes Country had coverage of the Checkers’ 4-2 win over the Binghamton Devils on Friday.
In Saturday’s game, newly acquired goalie Dustin Tokarski, picked up in a loan swap last week, earned his first win with his new team. He wasn’t tested and faced just 18 shots on his way to the Checkers 8-1 win. New addition Tomas Jurco scored a pair of goals and Andrew Poturalski had a four point night with two goals and two assists. Martin Necas had three assists and Nick Schilkey had a goal and an assist in an offensive explosion.
Thought of the Week
The Checkers faced much adversity in the early part of February when they were barely holding their head above water. Now, they’ve emerged from the water as dry as if they were walking through a desert. It seems as if there’s truly nothing that can dent this team as they barrel towards the postseason. Their offense is well-balanced. Their defense is consistent and reliable and they have the best goaltending situation of any of the contending teams. Their ceiling is high and, for Checkers’ fans sake, let’s hope it’s obtainable.
Player of the Week
This week’s player of the week goes to Andrew Poturalski, who had a five point weekend with an assist in the Checkers 4-2 win on Friday and two goals and two assists in the Checkers 8-1 win on Saturday. He’s been the most reliable source of offense for the Checkers this season and ranks first on the team in scoring with 56 points. The second place scorer on the team, Aleksi Saarela, has just 38 points. Poturalski also ranks first on the team in goals.
Looking Ahead
The Checkers hit the road for a pair of games against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms on Friday and Sunday. Charlotte will return to the Queen City the following week to begin a six-game homestand.