Game Preview: Checkers vs Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (Jan. 11, 2019)

The Checkers are back in the Queen City to kick off a six-game home stand with a matchup against the Penguins. Here are 8 things to know before pucks drops tonight.

1. HALFWAY THERE

Last weekend’s win over Toronto was the 38th game for Charlotte, marking the halfway point of the 76-game season. The 57 points that the Checkers have racked up are the most through 38 games in franchise history, eight more than the 2012-13 campaign that previously held the record. The Checkers are the ninth AHL team since the 2008-09 season to record at least 57 points through the first 38 games.

2. HOME SWEET HOME

The Checkers are back at Bojangles’ Coliseum for the first time this calendar year to kick off a home-heavy 2019. After playing the most road games in the AHL through the first half of the season, the Checkers are only slated to play 14 more on the road while hosting 24 more home contests.

“It’s been a grind on the road so far this year,” said head coach Mike Vellucci. “We love playing at home in front of our home crowd. After a long road trip we need to get our rest but we want to be ready to go on Friday.”

3. FEISTY PENS

The Checkers and Penguins have squared off twice already this season, both in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Those contests, both one-goal victories by the visitors, were highlighted by a physical style of play. The two sides combined for 76 penalty minutes and 18 power plays across the two games.

“They’re a big team,” said Vellucci of the Penguins. “We’re a fast, skilled team and they want to slow us down so they get in our face and things get a little chippy. But what I love is that our team responds. We may not start it but we’re going to make sure we finish it. Our guys stick together really well. If they take bad penalties we’re really good on the power play so we’ll take care of it like that. But we also stick up for each other.”

4. GEEKIE LIGHTS IT UP

After a stretch that saw him record just one assist in 15 games, Morgan Geekie has been an offensive force as of late. The rookie picked up three points over the weekend to give him 10 points in his last 10 games.

Geekie’s biggest weapon through the first half of his rookie campaign has been his shot – the forward leads all of the AHL in shooting percentage – but he has come into his own as a playmaker over his recent productive streak. Geekie has four assists over the last six games, the same he had through the first 29 contests.

“I don’t like to grade Geeks by his points because he has to do other things well to be a good player,” said Vellucci. “Defensively away from the puck, working on his speed and things like that. Obviously the points are good, he’s put up big points for us, but he’s playing the game the right way and he’s doing things defensively that are giving him those opportunities to score. That’s the key for him. We love to see him put points up without sacrificing the rest of his game.”

5. CAN'T SLOW DOWN

Despite missing six games while representing the Czech Republic at the World Junior Championships, Martin Necas slipped back into the Checkers’ lineup with ease this weekend. The 19-year-old recorded a goal and an assist in each of Charlotte’s wins on Saturday and Sunday, running his point total to 26 (9g, 17a) through just 28 games. Necas now ranks fourth among AHL rookies in scoring despite having played between one and six games fewer than the players ahead of him.

6. POTTING POINTS

Andrew Poturalski continues to tear up the scoresheet, recording five points over the three-game weekend. The forward has racked up 18 points over his last 15 games and has three multi-point games in his last four.

Poturalski leads the Checkers in goals, assists and points, holding a lead of four, five and nine over his next-ranked teammate, respectively.

7. NED SAYS NO

Alex Nedeljkovic took the crease for two of the three contests over the weekend and turned in a pair of stellar performances. The netminder stopped 64 of the 65 shots he faced in wins over Belleville and Toronto, including picking up his first shutout of the season against the defending Calder Cup champions. That marked his seventh shutout in a Checkers sweater, moving him into a tie with Justin Peters and John Muse for the most in franchise history.

8. TUNE IN FOR FREE

You should be at Bojangles’ Coliseum this weekend. But if for some reason you can’t, we’ve got you covered.

Aside from the usual radio broadcast on the Checkers app, both games will be available to watch for free online. You can watch Friday’s game on Facebook and Saturday’s game will be free on AHLTV! So tune in and tweet Jason Shaya to let him know you’re listening!