Bojangles Game Preview: December 15 vs. Bridgeport
December 14, 2023 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release
Before the Checkers take the ice this season, we're breaking down everything fans need to know with the Bojangles Game Preview!
THE MATCHUP
Following a solid road trip, the Checkers are back at Bojangles Coliseum for their final home stand of the year 2023 and aiming to shake off the home-ice slump that has been plaguing them. They'll be looking to get back on track while welcoming in a Bridgeport squad that finds itself in the cellar of the AHL standings and has been outscored 19-8 over the last four games.
THE STORYLINES
Searching For Home Cooking
The last time that the Checkers were in town they found themselves mired in their worst home stand of the season, dropping five of the six contests. That skid negated a 5-1-0-0 start on home ice and now puts the Checkers at 6-6-0-0 at the Coliseum this season.
The good news for Charlotte's goal of bouncing back is that Bridgeport has started the year with a 1-10-0-0 record on the road - with their lone victory coming in overtime in their season opener on Oct. 13 followed by 10 consecutive losses.
Mackie Makes Them Pay
Mackie Samoskevich's strong start to the season is paying off on the scoresheet. The rookie followed up his first pro two-goal effort this past Sunday in Hershey by lighting the lamp again in Wednesday's tilt in Lehigh Valley, and he has now collected seven points in his last seven contests.
Knight's Time
Spencer Knight has impressed between the pipes as of late. The netminder has earned his team at least one standings points in each of his last three starts and has surrendered five total goals over that stretch. Dating back to Oct. 28, the 2019 first-rounder is 6-2-1 in nine appearances.
Special Teams Battle
The Checkers and Islanders share a strength this season - their penalty kill, as both sides sport identical success rates of 87.1 percent. Charlotte has had a bumpier go of things as of late, giving up at least one power-play goal in four of the last six games and holding a 77.8 penalty-kill percentage over that stretch, but Bridgeport has also seen their numbers take a hit - recording a penalty-kill percentage of 80.0 percent over their last six-game stretch.
Tale Of Two Teams
Charlotte's production has skewed greatly between their winning and losing efforts so far this season. In games that they've won, the Checkers are averaging 3.92 goals for and 1.73 goals against. In games that they've lost, the Checkers are averaging 1.83 goals for and 4.09 goals against. That comes out to a score differential of 47-22 in wins this season and 19-45 in defeats.
THE ONES TO WATCH
Charlotte
Mackie Samoskevich - 7 points in last 7 games
Brendan Perlini - 5 points in last 5 games
Jake Wise - 2 points in last 2 games
Bridgeport
Kyle MacLean - 6 points in last 5 games
Otto Koivula - 5 points in last 5 games
Ruslan Iskhakov - 4 points in last 5 games
THE PROMOS
Friday, Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. - Checkers vs. Bridgeport
Buy TicketsOrnament Pack
Holiday Extravaganza presented by Novant Health - team to wear special holiday-themed jerseys that will be available for auction
Toy Drive presented by Novant Health - donate a toy and receive a free ticket to our game on Jan. 12. A gift registry and wish list are available.
Sasser Sack Packs - $35 package includes gold level ticket, Sasser Spiked Lemonade branded bag filled with mystery Checkers items, a delicious hot chocolate and a photo with Santa Chubby in the East Charlotte Room. THIS PACKAGE IS SOLD OUT
Holiday Ornament Package - ticket and Checkers holiday ornament pack starts at $30 total. Click here to purchase
Saturday, Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. - Checkers vs. Bridgeport
Buy TicketsBuy Family PackOrnament Pack
Holiday Extravaganza presented by Novant Health - team to wear special holiday-themed jerseys that will be available for auction
Toy Drive presented by Novant Health - donate a toy and receive a free ticket to our game on Jan. 12. A gift registry and wish list are available.
Holiday Ornament Package - ticket and Checkers holiday ornament pack starts at $30 total. Click here to purchase
Family Game presented by Fairfield Inn and Suites - save 40% when purchasing at least four tickets online
THE INFO
Puck drops on tonight's game at 7 p.m., with doors opening one hour before that. If you can't make it to the Coliseum tonight, you can listen to the game for free on the Checkers app or watch on AHLTV.
Featured News
Holiday Extravaganza Weekend Set for Dec. 15 and 16
We've got ticket deals, special items, festive attire and more for our Holiday Extravaganza...
American Hockey League Stories from December 14, 2023
- Belpedio Returns to Phantoms - Lehigh Valley Phantoms
- Wolves to Host Annual Teddy Bear Toss on Saturday - Chicago Wolves
- Gagnier Reassigned to Indy - Rockford IceHogs
- Abbotsford Canucks vs Tucson Roadrunners Series Preview - Abbotsford Canucks
- Bojangles Game Preview: December 15 vs. Bridgeport - Charlotte Checkers
- Henderson Silver Knights Announce Charitable Efforts for the Holiday Season - Henderson Silver Knights
- Henderson Silver Knights Announce Charitable Efforts for the Holiday Season - Henderson Silver Knights
- Tampa Bay Lightning Recall Defenseman Sean Day, Reassign Defenseman Phil Myers, Forward Mitchell Chaffee to Syracuse Crunch - Syracuse Crunch
- Condors Are Home for the Holidays - Bakersfield Condors
- San Diego Gulls to Host Annual Winter Wonderland Night on Saturday, December 16 - San Diego Gulls
- Fans Put Throwing Arms on Display for Monsters Annual Teddy Bear Toss Friday Night - Cleveland Monsters
- Wolf Pack Weekend Preview: December 14th, 2023 - Hartford Wolf Pack
- Trenton Bliss Reassigned to Toledo - Grand Rapids Griffins
- Capitals Recall Forward Joe Snively from Hershey - Hershey Bears
- Silver Knights Edge Reign In Overtime - Ontario Reign
- Poturalski's Overtime Winner Snaps Home Winless Streak - Coachella Valley Firebirds
- Brabenec Nets OT Winner, Leads Silver Knights to 3-2 Victory Over Reign - Henderson Silver Knights
- Canucks Pick up a Road Point in 4-3 Overtime Loss to Coachella Valley - Abbotsford Canucks
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