Checkers dull Blades
Published on March 20, 2005 under ECHL (ECHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release
CHARLOTTE, NC â The Charlotte Checkers were looking for a win Sunday afternoon to strengthen their first place position in the East Division. The Everblades, who have already secured their spot in the playoffs, had not seen a loss since the beginning of March. It was anybody's game as they took the ice, but the Checkers came away with the 3-2 victory over the Everblades.
Florida put themselves on the board early in the first period off a Matthew Pagnutti puck that eked past Checkers goaltender, Alex Westlund, at 2:13. Team points leader, Eddie Pershin took control at 9:48 of the period when he scored his 25th goal of the season off a pass from Mike Wirll. The period ended with a tied 1-1 score.
In the second, Jason Dawe sank the puck from the top of the crease, off assists from Ryan Lang and Juris Stals. Two minutes and 36 seconds later, Bogdan Rudenko lit the lamp, giving the Checkers a comfortable 3-1 lead. The Checkers are now 23-2-1 when leading after the second. After a few minor skirmishes, the Everblades offense awakened at 17:51 of the period when Steve Saviano had an unassisted goal, putting them within one.
Thomas Bellemare was awarded a tripping penalty, while Regan Darby racked up two minutes for slashing, giving Florida two power play opportunities in the third. Charlotte was able to kill each penalty, and Westlund made 10 saves, securing the Checkers 3-2 victory and putting them within one point of a playoff spot.
The Checkers next five games are on the road, starting with the Columbia Inferno on March 25th. Their 10th meeting of the season, the Checkers hope to avenge the loss they suffered to them on February 15th at Cricket Arena. The Inferno currently trails behind Charlotte at third place in the East Division with 74 points.
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