A rough third period proved to be the Checkers’ downfall in their rematch with Cleveland on Wednesday, as they dropped a 5-1 contest to split the weekday series.
After a scoreless first the Monsters struck twice early on in the middle frame, but Nick Schilkey threaded a wrister in shortly after to put Charlotte within one goal with 20 minutes left to play.
Things fell apart for the Checkers quickly in the final period, however, as Cleveland snagged two goals just 29 seconds apart to extend their lead even further and put Charlotte’s comeback hopes in jeopardy. The home team wasn’t able to muster a rally from that point and one more strike before the midway point of the frame proved to be the backbreaker, sending the Monsters home with a lopsided 5-1 win.
Charlotte continued to produce chances but were unable to solve Cleveland netminder Jean-Francois Berube, who finished the night with a staggering 40 saves. Scott Darling hit 30 saves for the third time this season but came away with the loss.
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