Game Preview: Checkers vs Iowa (Nov. 27, 2016)

After a thrilling overtime win last night, the Checkers are back in action against the Wild looking to cap off this homestand on a positive note.

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

1. DEFENDING HOME ICE

Last night’s win improved the Checkers’ record on home ice to 6-1-0 to start the season. Their .857 points percentage at Bojangles’ Coliseum is the fourth-highest in the AHL and marks the team’s best-ever record through its first seven home games, narrowly eclipsing the 5-1-1 record it posted to start the 2011-12 season.

2. SUDDEN DEATH IN CAROLINA

Jake Chelios’ overtime goal last night marked the Checkers’ first overtime win of the season (second attempt). It was also the first goal of the season for Chelios, who set a new career high with nine shots on goal during the contest.

3. PHIL-ING THE VOID

Forward Phil Di Giuseppe has made an impact since returning from the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes, scoring seven points (2g, 5a) in seven games, all of which have come during an active six-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. Di Giuseppe’s point streak is one shy of tying McGinn’s, which is technically still active, for the longest by a Checkers skater this season.

4. NEW NAMES AT THE TOP

After missing two games due to illness, forward Valentin Zykov picked up where he left off by scoring his sixth goal of the season last night. That gave him sole possession of the team lead, breaking what had been a four-way tie with McGinn, Ryan and Andrew Poturalski.

Speaking of Poturalski, the rookie center’s assist on Zykov’s goal was his 14th point of the season, pulling him ahead of Ryan and giving him sole possession of the team lead. Poturalski is now tied for third among AHL rookies in scoring.

5. IN THE CREASE

With Michael Leighton in the NHL with Carolina, rookie Alex Nedeljkovic has started each of the Checkers’ last three games, marking his longest such streak of the season. During that time, he has gone 2-1-0 with a 2.66 goals-against average and .917 save percentage. Meanwhile, Daniel Altshuller awaits his first AHL action of the season after starting the campaign with a 4-0-2 record, 1.80 goals-against average and .923 save percentage with the ECHL’s Florida Everblades. Last season, Altshuller went 7-0-1 to start his AHL career with the Checkers.

6. THE MAGIC NUMBER

Including last night’s 3-2 victory, the Checkers are now 8-0-0 when scoring three or more goals this season. Meanwhile, they are 1-7-1 when scoring two or fewer.

7. START FAST

Including last night’s contest, the Checkers have scored the first goal in 12 of their 17 games this season. They are 8-3-1 in those games, which account for 17 of their 19 points in the standings.

8. SPECIAL TEAMS STRUGGLES

Including an 0-for-5 showing against the Wild last night, the Checkers have just two goals in their last 27 man advantages (7.4 percent) over their last seven games. Their power play enters today’s game ranked 27th in the AHL at 12.2 percent.

Meanwhile, the Checkers’ penalty kill has surrendered five goals in its last 14 opportunities (64.3 percent) over its last three games, including at least one goal in each contest.

9. AGAINST THE WILD

Today marks the Checkers’ 18th game of the season and also the sixth time it has faced Iowa. Charlotte has enjoyed success thus far, going 4-1-0 in the season series and out-scoring Iowa 21-12. The Checkers have an all-time mark of 17-6-2 against Iowa since the Wild began play in the 2013-14 season.

10. POSTGAME SKATE

Stick around after tonight's game to take part in our first postgame skate of the season! The cost is $8 if you have skates, $10 otherwise, and all info can be found here.

11. TUNE IN!

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