Game Preview: Checkers vs Bridgeport (Jan. 16, 2018)

The Checkers are back in action on home ice looking to shake off a losing streak on 1950s Night.

1. SCOUTING THE SOUND TIGERS

The Sound Tigers enter this weekend having gone 5-2-3 over their last 10 games, pushing their way past the Checkers to claim the fourth-place slot in the Atlantic Division. The second half of that run has featured the band in several close contests, with four of their last six games going to overtime and one of the other two being decided by one goal as well.

Bridgeport’s offense, which comes in near the middle of the pack league-wide, has had a similar rough go to the Checkers as of late. The Sound Tigers have scored two or fewer in five of their last six games, going 2-1-3 in those contests.

Defense has been Bridgeport’s calling card thus far this season, boasting the eight-best goals-against average in the AHL and the second-best penalty kill. Leading that charge has been the goaltending duo of Christopher Gibson and Kristers Gudlevskis. Gibson has taken the bulk of the action in the crease so far, tying for fourth in the AHL with 14 wins, and has gone 6-1-2 in his last nine appearances. Gudlevskis has had a bit of a rougher patch during the team’s most recent stretch, going 0-3-4 in his last nine games.

2. ON THE SKIDS

The Checkers enter tonight’s game with just one win in their last seven games since the holiday break and losses in each of their last four, matching their longest losing streak of the season.

With this past weekend’s sweep at the hands of Toronto, the Checkers are on the outside of the playoff picture for the first time since Dec. 1.

3. MISSING OFFENSE

Despite still ranking third in the AHL, Charlotte’s offense has had a tough time producing over this last stretch of games.

The Checkers, who have scored five or more goals 14 times this season, have failed to eclipse two goals in six of their last seven contests – all of which have been losses – and have been held to one or fewer goals in each of their last four.

4. SCORING DROUGHTS

That drought has seen several of Charlotte’s big guns go silent. All Star Valentin Zykov, who still holds a share of the league goal scoring lead, has gone scoreless in his last four games after returning from illness. Prior to this slump, the Russian had only failed to find the scoresheet nine times this season and had not gone more than two consecutive games without recording a point.

Since netting a hat trick against Hershey on Dec. 21, Aleksi Saarela has notched one points in his last six games, while Warren Foegele has matched a season long by going scoreless in each of the last four games. Andrew Miller, who racked up 20 points over 17 games from Dec. 1 to Jan. 6 while only being held scoreless twice, is on a three-game scoreless skid, and Janne Kuokkanen has failed to find the scoresheet in his three games since returning from the World Junior Championship.

5. RETURN OF THE KING

Lucas Wallmark’s presence in the lineup has proven to be a catalyst for the Checkers.

The Swede has only played 20 games with the Checkers this season, including just eight since Nov. 10, but still ranks fourth on the team with 23 points. The team is 15-5-0 with Wallmark in the lineup and 6-11-1 without him, including a 1-5-0 mark since his last appearance with the team.

Wallmark was slated to suit up for the Checkers this past weekend against the Marlies but late injuries up top led the Hurricanes recalling the forward prior to game time. With Carolina on its bye week until Saturday, Wallmark should be a welcome addition to Charlotte’s lineup for at least the two-game set against Bridgeport.

6. POTTING GOALS

After a bit of a slow start that saw him record three points through the first 12 games of the season, Andrew Poturalski has ramped up his offensive production. Last season’s leading scorer has picked up 17 points over the last 26 games and has been a bright spot among the team’s current skid, lighting the lamp in three of the last five games.

7. SPECIAL TEAMS STRUGGLES

The Checkers’ once lethal power play has gone cold as of late. Charlotte has failed to convert on the power play in six of the last seven games, all of which have resulted in losses.

The other side hasn’t fared much better, as the Checkers have surrendered a power-play goal in 11 of their last 13 contests, though they were able to silence Toronto’s man advantage on Saturday, hopefully sparking a strong run on the penalty kill.

8. GET THE APP

The Checkers app got a fresh new set of paint during the offseason but functions just the same. Follow along with scoring updates as well as play the Top Line interactive game.

You will also be able to listen to the radio broadcast via the 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.