Game Preview: Checkers vs. Rockford (Jan. 27, 2016)

The Checkers will look to keep their new point streak going in a matchup of the Central Division’s top two teams in Rockford tonight.

Here are 9 things to know about the first of a three-game road trip leading into the AHL All-Star break:

1. OLD STREAK, NEW STREAK

Since their franchise-record, 12-game point streak came to an end with a regulation loss against Grand Rapids on Jan. 12, the Checkers have collected points in five straight games (4-0-1) heading into tonight’s game. They are the two longest point streaks the team has put together this season and have given the team an overall record of 14-1-3 since Dec. 9.

2. BATTLE FOR THE TOP

Since the beginning of their remarkable hot streak on Dec. 9, the Checkers have risen from sixth to second in the Central Division. Should Charlotte win in regulation over first-place Rockford tonight, they would claim the top spot for the first time since Oct. 21.

3. ROCKFORD ROLLING

The IceHogs have used a strong last two months to push their way to the front of a crowded division, going 13-5-3 in December and January.

Goaltending has been Rockford's biggest weapon this season. Veteran netminder Michael Leighton is second in the AHL in wins, third in goals-against average, third in saves and fourth in save percentage. He has been force in the crease, turning in an impressive 21-4-4 record for the IceHogs.

The IceHogs feature one familiar face in defenseman Dennis Robertson, who spent his rookie season with the Checkers before being sent to Rockford as a part of the trade that netted the Hurricanes Kris Versteeg.

4. ROAD WARRIORS

The Checkers head back on the road today looking to keep their hot streak away from home going. Charlotte is currently on a nine-game point streak on the road, the longest active streak in the AHL, and have won four straight on the road, the second-best active streak in the AHL. Their last regulation loss away from home came on Nov. 20 and they have gone 8-0-1 since then.

The Checkers' 14 road wins this season is tied for the second most in the AHL.

5. POWER SURGE

With a four-goal outburst last Saturday against Chicago, the Checkers have scored multiple power-play goals 11 times this season and five times in their last nine contests.

Charlotte is currently ranked second in the AHL with a power-play percentage of 23.7, just 0.1% behind the league-leading Providence Bruins. The Checkers' best power-play percentage in a season came in 2013-14 when they finished second in the AHL with 22.6%

6. BOYCHUK LIGHTING THE LAMP

Zach Boychuk suffered through a tough start to his season, enduring the longest goal drought of his career, but has caught fire as of late. Of his nine goals this season, a total that is good for third on the team, six have come in the month of January.

Boychuk has been especially effective on the power play. Of his six goals this month, five have come on the man advantage.

7. FIRING ON THE BLUE LINE

The Checkers have again been getting significant production from their back end. Trevor Carrick, named an AHL All-Star earlier this month, is second on the team in scoring and fourth among league defensemen, while Jake Chelios has quietly put together career highs in goals, assists and points and is tied for fourth on the team overall in scoring.

Last Saturday's barn-burning 6-5 win over Chicago was a shining example of the Charlotte blue line's offensive ability, as Carrick and Ryan Murphy each scored four points, tying a franchise record for most by a defenseman in a single game. It marked the second time Carrick has hit that mark this season and a career-best for Murphy.

8. BREAKING THINGS DOWN

The Checkers avoided a near-collapse against Chicago on Friday, earning a point in the overtime loss, and have yet to lose in regulation in a game in which they held a lead at either intermission (12-0-1-1 when leading after the first, 15-0-1-1 when leading after the second).

Charlotte has also been impeccable when allowing two or fewer goals (17-0-0) and have come through in tight games (12-3-1-2 in one-goal games), while their offense has been a big catalyst to their success (21-4-1-1 when scoring three or more goals).

9. COME WATCH WITH US!

The Queen City Q in Matthews will be hosting the official watch party for tonight's game. Join Chubby and the Checkmates for drink specials as well as pint glasses signed by captain Derek Ryan for the first 30 people!