The Checkers started off the week shaky losing 4-3 to Chicago on Friday (Jan. 22). They would rebound the next day on Saturday (Jan. 23) beating Chicago 6-5.
Three stars of the week
Brendan Woods scored two one-timer goals on Saturday night from the same side of the ice. Woods was able to get himself at the right position in the offensive zone for him to snap both of his goals home. He also tallied an assist in Friday night’s loss. Trevor Carrick had a four-point game on Saturday night. He looked most impressive not when he was trying to slap the puck in from the point but when he had his head up looking to set up his teammates. Carrick had three assists, two of which he was able to find his teammates for wide open shots at the net. Zach Boychuk put up three goals over the team’s two games. He scored the game winning-goal in the Checkers win on a nice individual effort where he weaved around a couple Chicago skaters and ripped home a shot from the top of the face-off circle.
Who’s Hot
Brock McGinn continued his point per game pace. He had three points over the week and now has twenty-three points, in as many games. If McGinn continues to play at this pace, he wont be down in the AHL for much longer. Ryan Murphy had four assists in the Checkers win on Saturday. Murphy was able to find Trevor Carrick multiple times right before Carrick would slap the puck home or find someone to set up for a goal.
Who’s Not
Rasmus Tirronen did not have an ideal third period on Friday night. While it absolutely was not all his fault, Tirronen let in three goals in the third period when the Checkers had a three goal lead. The Checkers would go on to lose the game 4-3 in overtime. Tirronen looked shaky at times in the third and in overtime after not playing much when Daniel Altshuller was in the lineup.
Injury and roster notes
Carter Sandlak, Tyler Ganly, and Erik Karlsson were all healthy extras. Danny Biega missed both games due to injury. The Hurricanes called up goalie Daniel Altshuller on Wednesday (Jan. 20). (He has since returned to Charlotte.)
Forward lines as of now
First line: Brock McGinn-Derek Ryan-Zach Boychuk
Second line: Ethan Werek-T.J. Hensick-Justin Shugg
Third line: Brendan Woods-Brody Sutter-Patrick Brown
Fourth line: Kyle Hagel-David Wohlberg-Sergey Tolchinsky
Defensive pairing as of now
First pairing: Trevor Carrick-Keegan Lowe
Second pairing: Rasmus Rissanen-Ryan Murphy
Third pairing: Jake Chelios-Mike Cornell
