Game Preview: Checkers vs Iowa (Nov. 26, 2016)

The Checkers are back at Bojangles' Coliseum tonight looking to bounce back from their first home loss of the year as they welcome the Iowa Wild to town.

Here are 11 things to watch for in tonight’s game.

1. DEFENDING HOME ICE

After rattling off wins in each of their first five home games this season, the Checkers finally saw their streak come to an end Wednesday, dropping a 4-2 decision to the Chicago Wolves in the latter half of a back-to-back series.

Despite that blemish, the Checkers still boast the best home record in the Western Conference at 5-1-0. As they look to improve that mark, the Checkers welcome an Iowa Wild team that has a 3-3-0 record on the road. The Wild are coming off back-to-back wins at Manitoba last week, a streak that snapped a three-game losing skid immediately prior.

2. OFFENSE GOES COLD

Mired in a 1-4-1 stretch, the Checkers have struggled to put pucks in the net as of late. Their offense, tied for 20th in the AHL in terms of goals per game, has failed to score more than two goals in five of the last six contests.

Scoring goals has been the biggest key to the Checkers’ victories this season, as the team is 7-0-0 when scoring three or more goals. On the flip side, they are 1-7-1 when falling below that mark.

The silver lining for the Checkers, however, is that they have put themselves within striking distance more often than not. Of Charlotte’s eight losses this season, five have been decided by two or fewer goals, including each of their last four losses.

3. PHIL-ING THE VOID

Forward Phil Di Giuseppe has made an impact since returning from the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes, scoring six points (2g, 4a) in six games, all of which have come during an active five-game streak. His presence has helped offset the loss of Derek Ryan, Brock McGinn and Matt Tennyson, three of the team’s most productive players to start the season, to the NHL.

4. OFF THE WALL-MARK

In his first pro season in North America, rookie forward Lucas Wallmark has found his scoring groove as of late.

With three assists in his last two games, the Swede has moved into a tie for second on the active roster in scoring, matching Valentin Zykov and trailing just Andrew Poturalski.

5. BETWEEN THE PIPES

Right before this past week’s series with Chicago, the Checkers had a goalie shake up as the Hurricanes recalled Michael Leighton to replace the injured Eddie Lack. With the veteran gone, Alex Nedeljkovic has become the main netminder in the crease for Charlotte. The rookie has started the last two contests, and despite losing the second to split the series, Nedeljkovic made a season-high 37 saves against a formidable opponent in Chicago.

"With Leighton gone, there’s a good chance that he’ll carry the majority of the games going forward, especially if he keeps playing the way he has been," said head coach Ulf Samuelsson of Nedeljkovic. "He’s been really solid."

Samuelsson mentioned that the decision of who will start Sunday's afternoon game will be made after tonight's contest, but'did leave the door open for Daniel Altshuller, recently recalled from the Florida Everblades. The third-year pro, who spent the majority of last season with Charlotte, started the year strong with Florida, going 4-0-2 with a 1.80 goals-against average.

"He’s looked really good and I’ve seen some good stuff," said Samuelsson of Altshuller. "We watched some video from last year we he came and played really strong. He’s a solid goalie."

6. REGAINING HEALTH

After missing both games against Chicago this past week, Valentin Zykov practiced with the team Friday and Saturday, a good sign for the Checkers.

"He’s looking like he’ll be able to play tomorrow," said Samuelsson of Zykov. "He’s having a breakout year. Hes gotten faster, he’s a big body, he’s realy valuable for 5-on-5 play and the power play with his net front presence."

Patrick Dwyer, however, remains sidelined and hasn't joined the team on the ice since his injury.

7. START FAST

The Checkers have spent the majority of the season thus far jumping out in front of teams early. In 11 of 16 games this season, the Checkers have scored the first goal. Those situations have also been when the Checkers have seen their most success, with 15 of the 17 points they’ve accumulated in the standings coming in games where they scored first.

8. SPECIAL TEAMS STRUGGLES

After showing strong flashes early on in the season, the Checkers’ special teams have hit some struggles.

On the power play side, Charlotte has scored twice in their last 22 man advantages over the last six games, leaving their percentage at 13, tied for the sixth-lowest in the AHL.

The penalty kill has seen relatively more success, but has slipped to the middle of the pack in the league rankings. After killing off all five penalties in their two-game series at San Antonio, the Checkers surrendered four power-play goals in 12 opportunities over their last two games, allowing two in each contest against Chicago.

9. AGAINST THE WILD

With games 17 and 18 of the season coming up this weekend for the Checkers, it will mark the fifth and sixth times they have squared off with Iowa.

The Checkers have enjoyed success in the previous matchups this season, much as they have over the last five seasons. Charlotte is 3-1-0 and has outscored Iowa 18-10.

10. #CHECKERSSOCIAL NIGHT AND OTHER PROMOS

Tonight's game has several promos, the best of which is Social Media Night! Selfie Sticks will be given away to the first 500 fans, then during the game there will be a social media scavenger hunt with several prizes to give away.
Tonight is also the first Slap Shot Saturday, where you can come onto the ice after the game and take a shot on goal, as well as a Family Night, where you can save $45 (40 percent) on groups of four tickets when purchasing online!

In addition, if you bring a toy to donate to the Country Boy Landscaping Toy Drive, you'll get a free ticket to the game on Jan. 13!

11. TUNE IN!

If you can't make it to Bojangles' Coliseum tonight for some reason, you can still tune in and follow along! Head here to listen to Jason Shaya's call of the game!