The Checkers started off the week strong, beating San Diego 3-1 on Friday (Jan. 8). They would go one to beat San Diego 4-2 the very next night on Friday (Jan. 9). On Tuesday (Jan. 12) the Checkers slipped up for the first time in twelve games, and lost 5-3 to Grand Rapids.
Three Stars of the week
Ethan Werek came alive during Tuesday night’s game against Grand Rapids. He had two goals and an assist to go with a plus two rating even though the Checkers lost the game. Werek also had seven shots during Tuesday night’s game and was the Checkers most active-looking offensive player. Mike Cornell had a quiet three points for the Checkers this week. This is Cornell’s best stretch of games since he originally joined the team in early November. Sergey Tolchinsky had three points in the three games the team played, and he is starting to play with major confidence. Tolchinsky is being patient when he has the puck and not forcing anything if it is not there. He looks like a completely different player than he did just a month ago because of the confidence he is displaying.
Who’s Hot
Despite losing his first regulation game of the season, Daniel Altshuller has been playing solid hockey. He did not face less than thirty shots in each game this week, and he still stood tall in net for Checkers. Derek Ryan has been a little quieter over these past two weeks but he is still putting up consistent points. He had two points, in the three games the team played and he has made the Checkers first line a force every time it steps on the ice.
Who’s Not
Even though the Checkers suffered a regulation loss on Tuesday, the team has been playing good hockey. Everyone has been chipping in and contributing for the success of the team at this moment in time. Because the team has been playing so well as of late, there is no one who deserves to be in the section for right now.
Injury and roster notes
Danny Biega and Drew MacIntyre missed all three games due to injury. Carter Sandlak was a healthy scratch all three games. Derek Ryan and Trevor Carrick were both selected to play in this years the AHL All-Star Classic.
Forward lines as of now
Second line: Sergey Tolchinsky-Brody Sutter-Patrick Brown
Third line: Zach Boychuk-T.J. Hensick-Erik Karlsson
Fourth line: Kyle Hagel-David Wohlberg-Ethan Werek
Defensive line pairings as of now
First pairing: Trevor Carrick-Keegan Lowe
Second pairing: Rasmus Rissanen-Ryan Murphy
Third pairing: Jake Chelios-Mike Cornell
