AHL Charlotte Checkers

Checkers Burn Phantoms In Shootout Thriller

Published on February 19, 2011 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release


GLENS FALLS, N.Y. - Zach Boychuk's goal in the seventh round of the shootout was the difference as the Charlotte Checkers defeated the Adirondack Phantoms, 3-2, on Saturday evening at Glens Falls Civic Center.

Chris Terry and Matt Pistilli scored in regulation for the Checkers (31-20-2-4) and Mike Murphy made 37 saves on 39 shots for his 14th win in his last 16 starts.

Michael Leighton made 26 saves on 28 shots in a losing effort for the Phantoms, who fell to 18-31-3-4 on the season.

Terry opened the scoring, just 10 seconds after Adirondack's Matt Walker was flagged for the game's first penalty at 12:12 of the first period. Boychuk out-muscled an Adirondack defender for the puck along the boards and fed Pistilli, who fired a pass over to Terry. Terry then snapped a quick shot past Leighton for the 1-0 lead.

Michael Ryan pulled the Phantoms even, 44 seconds into the second period, when he beat Murphy through the five-hole from the left-wing boards. Mike Testwuide started the play with a breakout pass up the boards to Ben Holmstrom, who fed Ryan cross-ice.

The Phantoms carried the play into the third period with many good scoring chances but Murphy was solid and made several impressive saves to keep it a 1-1 game.

Charlotte's luck would eventually run out as Eric Wellwood picked up a loose puck off a turnover at the net and beat Murphy with 1:59 left in regulation.

The Checkers, however, did not back down and came storming back. With Murphy on the bench for an extra attacker, Terry grabbed the puck and lobbed a shot high in the air toward Leighton. Pistilli was there to knock it out of mid-air and into the net, tying the game with 28 seconds to play.

After a scoreless overtime period, the teams went to a shootout. Drayson Bowman, Jacob Micflikier and Boychuk scored for the Checkers, while Murphy was exceptional and stopped five of Adirondack's seven attempts to seal the win.

The Checkers (31-20-2-4) continue their road trip tomorrow in Hershey, P.A., by facing the Bears at 5:00p.m. Watch or listen live at www.AHLLive.com. The Checkers' next home game is Thursday, Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. when they host the Connecticut Whale (formerly Hartford Wolf Pack). For ticket information, call 704-342-4423 or visit www.GoCheckers.com.

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American Hockey League Stories from February 19, 2011


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