The Checkers headed into the all-star break not exactly how they would have wished. They would lose 3-1 to Rockford on Wednesday (Jan. 27). They went on to lose to Iowa 5-4 on Friday (Jan. 29) and 5-1 on Saturday (Jan.30).

Three stars of the week

Ryan Murphy looked good at times in the offensive zone this past week. Murphy had a pretty goal where he spun past an Iowa defenseman at the point and moved in close to the net for a quick snapshot past the goal keeper. Trevor Carrick was one of two defensemen on Friday night for the Checkers that finished with a positive plus/minus rating for the game. Not only was he not out there for the other team’s goals, but he was able to put one home himself as well. Carrick has been the Checkers most consistent puck-moving defenseman from day one of the season, and it is why he was rewarded with an all-star game berth. Phil Di Giuseppe does not stay in Charlotte too long when he is here, but he sure does make the most of his opportunities. Di Giuseppe had two points in the three games the team played this week and had the only goal in the Checkers game on Wednesday night.

Who’s Hot

The Checkers second line that consists of Brendan Woods, Brody Sutter, and Patrick Brown provided consistent pressure in the opposing team’s offensive zone. This line was able to produce two of the Checkers four goals on Friday night.

Who’s Not

Daniel Altshuller struggled in his first two games back with this Charlotte team. Altshuller let in ten goals in three games, but it is not all his fault. In the two games that Altshuller started, the Checkers were outshot by at least twelve shots in each of the games. The Checkers need more shots and more defense if they expect to keep on winning games. They cannot just leave their goalie out to dry.

Injury and roster notes

Danny Biega, Justin Shugg, Ethan Werek, and Zach Boychuk all missed games due to injuries. Erik Karlsson and Tyler Ganly were both health extras. Carter Sandlak and Rasmus Tirronen were both sent down to Florida on Tuesday (Jan. 26). The Hurricanes called up Phil Di Giuseppe and Ryan Murphy on Sunday (Jan. 31).

Forward lines as of now

First line: Brock McGinn-Derek Ryan-Ethan Werek

Second line: Brendan Woods-Brody Sutter-Patrick Brown

Third line: Sergey Tolchinsky-T.J. Hensick-Erik Karlsson

Fourth line: Kyle Hagel-David Wohlberg

Defensive pairings as of now

First pairing: Rasmus Rissanen-Keegan Lowe

Second pairing: Trevor Carrick-Jake Chelios

Third pairing: Tyler Ganly-Mike Cornell