March 19, 2012 2:15 PM
The Checkers blue line will get some much-needed reinforcement for the upcoming two-game set against Peoria.
 Defenseman Bobby Sanguinetti returns to Charlotte from his second NHL stint in the last week, having filled in for Jaroslav Spacek in the Carolina Hurricanes’ come-from-behind victory at Winnipeg on Sunday. With Joni Pitkanen seemingly ready to return from a prolonged absence caused by a concussion and knee surgery, Sanguinetti’s services were no longer needed in Carolina.
Along with the injured Justin Krueger and Mathieu Roy, Sanguinetti was one of three Charlotte defensemen missing from the team’s 5-0 loss to Norfolk on Sunday. In addition to stabilizing things on the defensive end, the Checkers hope he’ll also help them score goals.
“What he brings is something we don’t have a lot of right now,” said coach Jeff Daniels. “He’s a more offensive guy with the way he moves the puck and joins the rush, where the other guys we have (on defense) are more stay-at-home.”
Sanguinetti, who did not record a point in his first three games with the Hurricanes, has five points (1g, 4a) in his last two AHL games. Despite playing just 50 of a possible 62 games due to injury, recalls and one game as a healthy extra, Sanguinetti ranks second on the team in scoring with 37 points (8g, 29a). He’s also one of the top power-play contributors with 23 points (6g, 17a), one fewer than Chris Terry.
With Sanguinetti back in the fold, one of ECHL recall Ryan Donald and professional tryout signing Brandon Gentile will likely exit the lineup for Tuesday’s game. Should Roy be able to return from a two-game absence – as of Monday morning, Daniels was unsure if that could happen – both may sit out.
Peoria, which holds the league’s eighth-best offense, currently leads the Checkers by one point in the Midwest Division. |
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