CHARLOTTE, NC – A crazy first period saw the Checkers go behind, after Ice Hogs Brian Connelly scored with a shot from the left. Then Matt Pistilli converted a pass from Zach Boychuk 36 seconds later to tie the game for Charlotte.
Charlotte was on fire following the opening goal with Chris Terry that put them ahead with a shot that literally dribbled into the net past Rockford’s goalie Alec Richards. Jerome Samson added number three when his shot found its way through a group of players.
The excitement in this period was not finished, Ice Hogs Andrew Shaw put away a rebound to make the score 3-2 for the Checkers. With fellow goalie Justin Peters assigned to the Hurricanes in the NHL, Murphy in the Checkers goal made his fifth start in a row, making 26 saves that night.
Late in the second period, Rockford’s Peter LeBlanc scored from the slot to tie the game at 3-3. Opportunities to score were scarce during the third period and overtime, with only one real chance going to either team. The Ice Hogs wasted that situation with Murphy making a very good save.
In the shootout Chris Terry and Cedric McNicholl scored comfortably, however Justin Krueger was rather fortunate, his shot was blocked by Ice Hogs goalie Richards when the puck took a bounce and trickled into the goal. Mike Murphy resisted all three of Rockford’s attempts, and has only allowed one goal in 13 shootout situations this season.
Tonight the Checkers visit Chicago to play division rivals, Wolves (4PM EST) before returning home to face the San Antonio Rampage on January 3 and 4.
EddieMitchell@ProHockeyNews.com
