CHARLOTTE, NC – A huge win for the Checkers on Saturday evening with Zach Boychuk scoring twice in the 3-2 victory over the Milwaukee Admirals. Even though Milwaukee outshot their Charlotte opponents 30-24, the Checkers had luck on their side. In the first period, Boychuk scored a rather fortunate goal when a defender trying to reach the puck sent Boychuk’s chip shot over the head of goalie Jeremy Smith.
Milwaukee came back strongly and on a power play Chris Mueller tied the game in the 15th minute of the first period. Seven minutes into the second period the Checkers went ahead again when Chris Terry scored from the top of the circles.
Zach Boychuk scored his second goal of the night in the second minute of the third period after Jerome Samson’s shot had rebounded into his path. Although the Checkers lead 3-1 Milwaukee was still very dangerous, they were outskating Charlotte as they had been for much of the game.
Chris Mueller added a second for the Admirals, but with Mike Murphy in terrific form in goal for the Checkers that was as many as they could score. Charlotte won 3-2, with Murphy making 28 saves and getting his first win since the Rockford Ice Hogs game on November 6.
Sunday afternoon saw the Checkers get win number four in a row, as they played their best hockey of the season. They got a terrific start scoring two goals within four minutes of the face-off. Matt Pistilli started the ball rolling then Justin Shugg added number two. Milwaukee pulled goalie Atte Engren replacing him with Jeremy Smith. Pistilli scored his second goal halfway through the first period putting Charlotte 3-0 in the lead, and his fifth goal of the season.
The second period saw Milwaukee come out fighting in an effort to get back in the game, but they found Justin Peters in great form in the Checkers goal. Chris Terry then added to the Checkers lead making the score at the end of the second period 4-0, Charlotte.
Drayson Bowman, assisted by Pistilli, scored the fifth before Gabriel Bourque scored Milwaukee’s lone goal. Justin Peters made 28 saves to give the Checkers back-to-back weekend wins. This win was especially notable because Milwaukee had not lost on the road since January this year.
The Charlotte Checkers, who lead the Midwest Division, face the Texas Stars, Wednesday November 30, 7p.m. face-off.
EddieMitchell@ProHockeyNews.com
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