QUICK HITS
ROAD WARRIORS
The Checkers are heading back into the North Division for the weekend while riding a five-game winning streak on the road. After a slow start away from home, the Checkers are now 11-7-1-1 on the road this season, and they’ll aim to keep that upward trajectory going against a Syracuse squad that is 10-6-3-1 on home ice thus far.STINGY D
Along with notching two shutouts in their last five games, the Checkers were extra stingy during the first half of this road swing - surrendering five total goals over the three games. The current tandem between the pipes is Mack Guzda and J-F Berube, who both enter the weekend on high notes - Guzda has given up just a single goal in his last two starts combined, while Berube has stopped 57 of 61 shots he has faced over his last two starts.Syracuse will provide a test for the Charlotte defense, as its offensive attack ranks fourth in the AHL.
AGAINST THE CRUNCH
The Checkers and Crunch have squared off twice this season thus far, splitting the pair of contests - Charlotte pulled off a narrow 3-2 victory in early November before being shut out 4-0 the next night.LIGHTS-OUT LINE
Playing alongside each other, Connor Bunnaman and Gerry Mayhew have lit up the scoresheet over the most recent stretch of games. Bunnaman is in the midst of a five-game point streak - having racked up eight points (4g, 4a) over that run - while Mayhew has seven points (5g, 2a) across that same five-game run. The newest addition to the line. Logan Hutsko, has also caught fire playing alongside the duo - riding a three-game point streak into the weekend.QUOTES
Checkers forward Connor Bunnaman on what's clicking for the team"We’re really good when we’re playing fast and getting behind their D and just working low. I think that’s going to be our main focus from now on."
Checkers forward Henry Bowlby on momentum
"I think in both games [last weekend] we found a way to manage the momentum swings and come out on top. If we keep doing that it’ll be a great weekend."
Bowlby on the confidence level in the room
"All the lines are contributing and playing well. I think we’re coming together as a team and things are starting to gel. With that comes confidence."
Checkers Head Coach Geordie Kinnear on the week of practice
"I love the mindset of the group and the work ethic. We just want to never look back in the rear view mirror, we want to look ahead."
COMING IN
CLT: 4-1-0-0 in last five gamesSYR: 3-1-1-0 in last five games
WHO TO WATCH
CLT
Connor Bunnaman - 8 points in last 5 gamesRiley Nash - 9 points in last 7 games
Gerry Mayhew - 7 points in last 5 games
SYR
Alex Barre-Boulet - 5 points in last 3 gamesPhilippe Myers - 5 points in last 3 games
Gemel Smith - 4 points in last 3 games
TUNE IN
Tonight's game starts at 7 p.m. You can tune in to the broadcast with a subscription to the league’s streaming platform AHLTV (home broadcast only).Additionally, our friends over at Ed's Tavern on 2200 Park Road are going to be showing the game on their TVs!
