Checkers Clinch Playoff Berth with 7-3 Rout of Bears
April 7, 2018 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release
CHARLOTTE, NC - After failing to get outside help last night, the Checkers took their playoff fate in their own hands, stomping the Hershey Bears 7-3 to clinch a berth in the Calder Cup Playoffs.
Janne Kuokkanen led the offensive charge, matching a franchise record with five points on the night. The 19-year-old rookie opened the scoring just a minute into regulation, then lit the lamp with a snipe straight off the draw midway through the third. Kuokkanen then jumped on the reeling Bears off the following faceoff, getting sprung for a breakaway to cinch his first hat trick as a pro.
Four other skaters notched two-point games for the Checkers, including Greg McKegg, who set up a slick two-on-one tally for Kuokkanen's first, then marked a power-play goal in the third to extend his point streak to 12 games.
The Checkers stifled the Bears' attack, holding the visitors to just 17 shots on the night, and Jeremy Smith picked up his third consecutive win between the pipes.
The Checkers are now bound for the Calder Cup Playoffs for the second consecutive season, though their first-round opponent remains to be decided.
Quotes
Coach Mike Vellucci on the game and clinching a playoff spot
I thought we started off strong, slowed down and gave up two penalty kill goals but played pretty strong in the end. I'm very happy for the guys.
Vellucci on Greg McKegg's success since joining the team
It's experience, and I think he loves it here and is very happy here. He's played very well and I'm very happy for him.
Vellucci on Janne Kuokkanen's game
He's a great kid and he's worked hard. When he gets confidence he plays well. It's a tough league for a 19 year old and he's done extremely well.
Vellucci on the last three games of the regular season coming up
We just want to keep playing well, because you want to peak going into playoffs. Just keep playing well, doing the right things and good things will happen.
Greg McKegg on clinching a playoff spot
It's good to know that you're going to be in the playoffs but I don't think we're satisfied in there. Obviously there's still a few games remaining and we want to be the best seed we can going into the playoffs.
McKegg on his success since joining the team
It's been great so far and there's a ton of good guys on this team to play with. I've been fortunate that Mike has put me in some great spots to succeed. We have a really skilled team that moves the puck nicely and I've found some great chemistry with my linemates.
Janne Kuokkanen on his hat trick
It felt pretty good. This season I haven't scored that many goals, so it's a pretty good feeling to get three in one game. Our team played really well today and I'm happy we made the playoffs.
Kuokkanen on clinching a playoff spot
It's really good right now. I think everyone feels that there's so much potential for this team and what we can do in the playoffs.
Notes
The Checkers qualified for the playoffs for the fourth time in eight AHL seasons. This is the first time that they have qualified in consecutive years ... Kuokkanen recorded the 11th hat trick in team history and the third of the season. His five points tied a franchise record set once previously by Zach Boychuk during the 2013-14 season ... McKegg had two points, extending his point streak to 12 games (9g, 9a). It is the longest streak of his career, the longest active streak in the AHL and ties the franchise record set by Ryan Murphy in 2013-14 ... Kruger has goals in three straight games ... Saarela has five goals and nine points in his last five games ... Gauthier has goals and multiple points (2g, 2a) in each of his last two games ... After winning just one of his previous 10 appearances, Jeremy Smith has won each of his last three ... The Checkers extended their point streak to seven games (6-0-1), which is their longest of the season ... Charlotte scored multiple power-play goals for the second straight game (5-for-10) ... A win tomorrow would allow the Checkers to match their highest point total since moving to a 76-game schedule for the 2011-12 season (92) ... Forwards Andrew Miller and Lucas Wallmark, defenseman Jake Chelios and goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic missed the game due to injury ... Forward Clark Bishop and defensemen Tyler Ganly missed their third straight game due to illness.
Up Next
The Checkers wrap up their final home stand of the regular season tomorrow with a rematch against the Hershey Bears. Puck drops at 1 p.m. for the team's annual Pooch Party.
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