CHARLOTTE , NC – Special teams were at the forefront of the Checkers first two games this past weekend. On Friday night in Milwaukee the Admirals scored three power-play goals that gave them victory over the Checkers. Chris Durno scored on a deflection in the second period to make the score 2-1 before Victor Bartley of the Admirals took the score out of the Checkers reach. Mike Murphy in the Checkers goal made 24 saves in this his sixth consecutive start.
Saturday saw the situation reverse with the Checkers coming out on top against the Grand Rapid Griffins, 2-1. As on Friday special teams played a huge part in the result. In the previous game, Charlotte had gone 0-8 on the power-play and in an effort to kill off the penalties 2-5. Against the Griffins they were 1-2 on the power-play.
The third period saw the Checkers defending a one goal advantage; they hung on bravely with goaltender Justin Peters making 26 saves. This was Peter’s first outing since an injury against the Houston Aeros in October.
Third periods had been the teams Achilles heel but in Grand Rapids things changed. The Checkers went ahead in the second period with a terrific shot from by Justin Faulk. Faulk who is only 19 years old, claimed his second goal in his career for the Checkers. This had followed a rather odd goal from Nicolas Blanchard earlier in the second period. The Griffin defense was trying to clear the puck when it took a strange bounce off the glass landing at Blanchard’s feet for an easy finish.
Sunday the Checkers lead by Jerome Samson, who had a tremendous game, won 4-2 over Rockford Ice Hogs. This gives Charlotte an 8-4-1 overall situation for the AHL season. Samson has four goals and six assists so far this season, making him the leading points scorer with 14.
The Checkers were off to a wonderful start going 3-0 up in the first period with Jared Staal putting them on the board. This was followed by Michal Jordan scoring his second goal of the season. The spotlight then turned to Jerome Samson. Two power-play goals brought his point run to seven games. A goal by Samson in both the first and second periods made sure of the victory for Charlotte.
The win was especially pleasing as Rockford had been resting since the previous Saturday, as the game progressed they looked the fresher team. Mike Murphy in the Checkers goal had a solid night with 28 saves. Jimmy Hayes of the Ice Hogs scored their first goal in the second period to make the score 3-1 Checkers. In the third period Brandon Pirri scored Rockford’s second, but the game was beyond Rockford by then.
The Charlotte Checkers are on the road again with a visit to Oklahoma City on Friday and Saturday November 11 and 12. On Sunday they move on to Houston to face the Aeros.
EddieMitchell@ProHockeyNews.com
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