CHARLOTTE, NC – After a disastrous evening on Tuesday against the Peoria Rivermen, Charlotte came back with a vengeance. This time they capitalized on the situation, especially in the second period. The previous evening saw many chances squandered tonight was different. In the first period Charlotte outshot Peoria 15-5, setting the tone for a second period that would blow the Rivermen away.
It started with Chris Durno putting Charlotte one goal up when Brett Sutter on a breakaway lost control of the puck, fortunately it carried to Durno who finished the job. This was just the beginning because Charlotte scored four within ten minutes of the restart. The Checkers were running riot with Riley Nash, Chris Terry and then Matt Pistilli all finding the net. By the end of the period the score was 4-0 to the Checkers.
In the third period Zach Boychuk was set-up with great passes from Evgenii Dadonov to add two more goals to the tally. In between Rivermen Shaun Heshka and Chris Bruton scored what were consolations goals for the visitors.
Charlotte had only scored four goals in their last three games, so why this turn around? After Tuesday nights game the team had a close door meeting, they realized that if they lost this game tonight it may be very difficult for them to make the play-offs. This win keeps them in contention they are only one point behind rivals Peoria.
Jake Allen in the Peoria goal, who had a magnificent game in the previous meeting between the two teams was pulled at the end of the second period and replaced by Alex Stalack.
Mike Murphy won the Roll up Your Sleeves Hardest Worker of the Game Award voted by the fans. With 12 games to go in the regular season Charlotte is 4-2-0 in the series against the Rivermen. The two teams meet on another two occasions
March 24/25 Charlotte visit the Hershey Bears.
EddieMitchell@ProHockeyNews.com
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