Checkers meltdown leads to loss

CHARLOTTE, NC – A record crowd of 13,021 at Time Warner Cable Arena

witnessed a Charlotte meltdown similar to the previous evening when the Checkers gave up a two goal lead. The difference was the Checkers fought back in the earlier game to get the win last night that did not happen.
 
Charlotte started well with Chris Terry assisting Bobby Sanguinetti to put the Checkers ahead. This was the eight consecutive game with a power play goal, setting a new record for the Checkers. In the second period Charlotte went further ahead with a goal from Rasmus Rissanen, whose shot took a wicked bounce going over the shoulder of Ice Hogs goalie Alec Richards.
 
The Checkers had further opportunities to add to the lead when they had the man advantage due to Ben Youds of the Ice Hogs earning a three minute penalty. Youds had boarded Charlotte forward Zac Dalpe, who left the game due to injury.
   
Rockford then got back into the game when Peter LeBlanc, who had scored twice the previous evening, beat John Muse with a shot on a power play. Muse who made 27 saves on the night, suffered his first defeat in the AHL. He is now 6-1-0 on the season. Into the third period LeBlanc ties the game at 2-2 with an acute angle shot. LeBlanc has scored four of the Ice Hogs six goals in the two-game series.
Rockford then went on to score the winner through defenseman Dylan Olsen, whose shot hit the inside of the post before beating Muse in the Charlotte goal. Muse was then pulled to give Charlotte an extra attacker, to no avail.
 
The Checkers now have a week off during the All Star break, they return Friday, February 3 against Oklahoma City Barons.
 
The Checkers annual Race Night promotion, in conjunction with the game, raised $14,500 for charity, yet another example of how the Checkers work with the local community.
  EddieMitchell@ProHockeyNews.com Photographer Tom.Nelson@prohockeynews.com