Checkers fall to Columbia in overtime, 4-3
April 4, 2004 - ECHL (ECHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release
(Charlotte, NC - Saturday, April 3) The Columbia Inferno overcame a 3-1 third period deficit to best the Charlotte Checkers 4-3 in sudden death overtime Saturday night at the Carolina Coliseum in Columbia, South Carolina. Tim Smith' s goal 3:31 into sudden death overtime proved to be the game-winner for Columbia after third period goals by the Inferno's Jesse Schultz and Corey Hessler erased a two-goal Checkers lead in the final frame. Allan Egeland, Dusty Jamieson and Doug Christiansen scored the Charlotte goals, while Gregg Naumenko made 40 saves in goal to absorb the loss. The defeat extended the Checkers winless streak to nine games at 0-7-2 as Charlotte finished its 72 game regular season.
After a scoreless first period, the Inferno grabbed the lead at 4:24 of the second period as Terry Harrison's blast from the right wing circle beat Naumenko through the five hole for a 1-0 Columbia lead. The Checkers stormed back with two goals in the period by Egeland and Jamieson to take a 2-1 lead through 40 minutes.
The Checkers increased their lead to 3-1 at 2:06 of the third period on Christiansen's lamp-lighter from the top of the right wing circle. Two straight Columbia tallies by Schultz and Hessler in the period tied the game at 3-3, sett ing up Smith's game-winner in overtime.
Charlotte closed the season with a record of 31-32-9 for 71 points while Columbia closed out its regular season at 44-20-8 for 96 points. In Southern Division playoff news, the Roanoke Express and Florida Everblades clinched playoff spots on the final day of the regular season while the Greensboro Generals were eliminated.
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