CHARLOTTE, NC – A 3-2 victory over Oklahoma City in the shootout against one of the best teams in the AHL boosted the Checkers last night. With only one win in the last five, the Checkers showed a new determination in overcoming difficult opposition. This was especially pleasing for Coach Daniels as Charlotte went behind on two occasions, yet fought back with style.
Defenseman Taylor Chorney put the Barons ahead in 6.39 of the second period after knocking home a loose puck. Jerome Samson then tied the game less than two minutes later after Chris Terry’s shot had hit the boards and richotted to him.
With over five minutes remaining in the third period Curtis Hamilton beat Murphy in the Checkers goal to put the visitors back on top. Charlotte tied the game again when Brett Bellemore had a Bobby Sanguinetti shot hit his skate and fly into the net. This was an unusual situation for defenseman Bellemore since in 186 games he has only recorded a total of four goals; this was his first of the season for the Checkers.
In the four vs. four overtime session Zac Zalpe looked as if he had won the game for Charlotte when his shot beat the goalie David LeNeveu only to hit the post. The game went to a shootout with Mike Murphy in the Checkers goal, saving from Mark Arcobello, to give the hosts the win. Jon Matsumoto and Justin Kreuger scored for the Checkers.
LeNeveu in the Oklahoma City goal made 38 saves while Murphy stopped 21 shots for Charlotte. Murphy was again voted the “Roll Up Your Sleeves Hardest Worker of the Game”. This was Charlottes’ third win out of four games over the Barons. Oklahoma is now 20-7-2 for the season.
These two teams meet for the fifth time this season on Tuesday December 20, at Time Warner Cable Arena, face-off is 7PM. The Checkers then have a Christmas break before taking to the road to play Rockford and Chicago.
EddieMitchell@ProHockeyNews.com
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