CHARLOTTE, NC – The Checkers stay top of the AHL after winning five of the final six games at Time Warner Cable Arena. The first five home games of the season were a disaster that is all behind the team now. Thursday night Peoria got off to a fast start scoring in 33 seconds, tonight the roles were reversed with the Checkers scoring in 1.58 from the face-off. Jerome Samson hit a screamer past the Rivermen’s goalie Jake Allen to give Charlotte the lead.
Peoria tied the game with Peoria’s Adam Cracknell getting the equalizer. Cracknell’s shot took an odd bounce, Justin Faulk attempted to clear, hit Sutter’s leg, the puck finishing in the Charlotte net. This fortunate goal did not take anything away from Justin Peters in the Charlotte goal who had an excellent game making 28 saves to win his fourth consecutive start.
“For the past two weeks we’ve been doing what we need to do,” said Sutter. “Now we can enjoy the time off and rest up.”
Su tter made amends for the unfortunate incident by adding to Charlottes total in just over a minute of the second period. This was his 10th goal of the season leaving him one short of his personal record of 11 goals. The goal however was somewhat controversial as Sutter intercepted a pass from Riverman goalie Jake Allen. Sutter chased down Allen behind the Peoria goal and called his name, Allen hesitated and Sutter stole the puck going around the goal to score.
“I feel confident in my ability out there,” Justin Peters said.
“He’s been sharp, and even the goal against tonight was a bad break,” said head coach Jeff Daniels. “He’s very focused and very driven, and he’s such a competitor. We’re very fortunate to have both him and (Dan) Ellis.”
The Checkers easily controlled the game through the third period to finish 2-1 winners.
We just got back to the basics,” said Daniels. “The character in that room said enough is enough, and we got back on track.”
Charlotte now has a six day break over the Christmas holidays. They then face the Houston Aeros on December 28th and the Texas Stars on December 29th, both games are on the road. The team stays on the road to play Lake Erie Monsters on January 3rd and 4th. Their next home game is at the PNC Arena in Raleigh on January 6th, 2013 when they take on the Milwaukee Admirals.
Eddie.Mitchell@ProHockeyNews.com
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