Game 3 Preview: Checkers vs Lehigh Valley (May 8, 2018)

After splitting the first two games in Pennsylvania, the Atlantic Division Finals are shifting to Charlotte starting with tonight’s Game 3 matchup.

1. OFFENSE CLICKING

Heading into Game 3, the Checkers boast the top-ranked offense in the Calder Cup Playoffs. Charlotte’s attack is averaging 4.20 goals through its first five games and have been held below three goals just once.

Dating back to the regular season, the Checkers have scored three or more goals in 21 of their last 24 contests.

2. STINGY DEFENSE

On the flip side, the Checkers have been equally stingy on defense as they have been explosive offensively. They are surrendering just 1.60 goals per game, the lowest mark in the league, and have held the Phantoms’ offense – which finished second in the league during the regular season – to just a pair of goals through the first two games of the division finals.

3. SPECIAL TEAMS SURGE

After a slow start, the Checkers’ power play sprung to life in their Game 3 win. Heading into the contest with a 1-for-17 clip on the man advantage, Charlotte erupted for four power-play goals on eight opportunities. That outburst pushes the Checkers – who finished the regular season with the third-best power-play in the league – to a 20 percent mark.

The Checkers’ penalty kill has been another bright spot during the postseason. They have surrendered just two power-play goals over their five-game run thus far, tying them for the third-best PK in the league.

Dating back to the first-round series, the Checkers have killed 14 of their last 15 penalties.

4. TOP-TIER TALENT

The Checkers boasted one of the league’s most dangerous top lines during the regular season and that trio – Valentin Zykov, Lucas Wallmark and Andrew Miller – have kept the ball rolling during the playoffs. Zykov and Miller are both part of a tie for the team scoring lead with five points in as many games, while Wallmark’s three goals also put him tied for the team lead.

At least one of the three skaters has recorded a point in four of the Checkers’ five playoff games thus far.

5. HOME SWEET HOME

By earning a split in the first two games against Lehigh Valley, the Checkers have effectively reclaimed home-ice advantage over the higher-seeded Phantoms. The next three games will be played at Bojangles’ Coliseum, where the Checkers thrived during the regular season.

Charlotte went 26-11-0-1 on home ice this season, giving them the second-most home wins across the league, and went 16-4-0 during the final 20 regular season home contests. The Checkers have kept that momentum rolling into the postseason, winning Games 1 and 2 of their first-round series at the coliseum.

6. PLAYOFF PROMOS

For tonight’s Game 3, the first 2,500 fans will be treated to rally towels courtesy of Novant Health, while all fans can enjoy $1 hot dogs!

7. GET THE APP

If you’re not able to make it to tonight's game, you can purchase the game on AHL Live.

You will also be able to listen to the radio broadcast via the Checkers app or this link. Jason Shaya’s pregame show starts 15 minutes prior to puck drop, tune in and tweet Jason to let him know you’re listening.