The Checkers might have had their worst game of the season against Manitoba on Saturday (Feb. 28), losing 7-2. They would rebound the very next day on Sunday (Feb. 28) against that same Manitoba team, beating them by a score of 2-1.
Three stars of the week
Daniel Altshuller played a spectacular game Sunday night, saving twenty-eight of the twenty-nine shots he faced. Altshuller came in relief of goalie Drew MacIntyre on Saturday night, playing solid enough to earn the start on Sunday. He played like the goalie that lead this team on a twelve game point streak earlier in the season. Ryan Murphy kept up his play, as the Checkers best defenseman as of late. He tallied one assist in both games the team played, giving him six points in his last seven games. Derek Ryan came back and answered the bell from last week, and reeled off three goals for the Checkers. He made himself assertive in front of the net and it lead to, two of his goals being tap ins right beside the net. Ryan was also only one of six Checkers to not receive a negative for his plus/minus rating on Saturday night.
Who’s Hot
Brendan Woods was able to rip another goal home this week. Woods goal gives him now two goals in two consecutive weeks now for the Checkers. Sergey Tolchinsky and Brock McGinn also tallied an assist to each of their names this week as well.
Who’s Not
Trevor Carrick and Keegan Lowe both had a rough night on Saturday as the Checkers first defensive pairing. Carrick and Lowe endured most of the 7-2 beating the team suffered. Both defensemen ended the game with negative three ratings for the game. The pairing made multiple mistakes in their own zone with turning the puck over to the other team. Those turnovers lead to multiple scoring chances for Manitoba.
Injury and roster notes
Danny Biega missed both games due to injury. Erik Karlsson and Tyler Ganly were both healthy extras for the Checkers game Saturday night. The Hurricanes traded goalie Drew MacIntyre for former Checker Dennis Robertson on Monday (Feb. 29). The Checkers acquired goalie John Muse from Texas for future considerations on Monday (Feb. 29). The Hurricanes called up Derek Ryan, Ryan Murphy, and Brock McGinn on Monday (Feb. 29).
Forward line parings as of now
First line: Ethan Werek-T.J. Hensick-Sergey Tolchinsky
Second line: Brendan Woods-Brody Sutter-Justin Shugg
Third line: Kyle Hagel-David Wohlberg-Zach Boychuk
Fourth line: Tyler Ganly-Erik Karlsson-Patrick Brown
Defensive pairings as of now
First pairing: Trevor Carrick-Keegan Lowe
Second pairing: Rasmus Rissanen-Mike Cornell
Third pairing: Jake Chelios
