ECHL Charlotte Checkers

Checkers Must Win Game Six Or Season Is Over

Published on April 19, 2009 under ECHL (ECHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release


Charlotte N.C. - Despite winning the first two games against the South Carolina Stingrays, the Checkers dropped the following three decisions on the road and trail 3-2 in this South Division semi-final series. With game six taking place just hours away at The Extreme Ice Center in Indian Trail, N.C. the Checkers must come away with a victory or their season is over.

All the inside playoff knowledge and information will be found exclusively through www.gocheckers.com. Log on everyday for updates on the first round series and upcoming games. If the Checkers win tonight, the series moves to a deciding game seven in Charleston, South Carolina on Monday night at 7:05 p.m.

RECAP OF GAME FIVE

CHECKERS SEASON ON BRINK AFTER GAME FIVE DEFEAT BY STINGRAYS

Charleston S.C.- A most important game five in a tied series was commanded beginning to end by the South Carolina Stingrays who struck for eight goals against the Checkers in their victory. With the win, the Checkers season is now one loss away from being over as they will try to stave off elimination on Sunday back at The Extreme Ice Center.

To read the full game recap, please visit www.gocheckers.com

THE SOUTH DIVISION BREAKDOWN

The Florida Everblades hold a strong 3-1 series lead against the Gwinnett Gladiators. With the series moving back to Florida for a potential home clinching game for the Everblades, the Gladiators must win to keep playing. Florida has been brilliant at home for the entire season and won both games in this year's playoffs at Germain Arena. Look for Florida to continue in the tournament with a win today.

CHECKERS ON RADIO FOR PLAYOFFS!

In coordination with the official radio home of the Charlotte Checkers, WFNZ, the team will be broadcasting several games through the station during at least the first round of the post season.

Games one, two, four, five and six will be carried live on WFNZ 610 AM. Also, all games will be available through the B2 Network and streamed online for free at www.gocheckers.com or by clicking mms://208.67.186.169/charlotte at the time each game is scheduled to begin.

"Playing at Extreme Ice may limit the number of fans in attendance but no one has to miss anything that takes place during the games because of our great relationship with WFNZ and the B2 Network," remarked Shaya. "There will be some special guests during the broadcasts and everyone will be excited for the best time of the year."

All broadcasts will begin as the puck drops at 7:00 p.m.

KEYS TO GAME SIX

Play with passion: Head coach Derek Wilkinson can often be heard asking his team to do just that, play with passion. At this time of the year you can throw out the x's and o's and just win games based on how bad you want to keep playing. If the Checkers want to win today and force a game seven, the deciding factor may be no further than their collective hearts.

Penalty Killing must improve: During the most important game of the playoffs on Friday night, the Checkers penalty killing was simply atrocious. They stood around while the Stingrays moved the puck with ease scoring several goals with the man-advantage. Before the series, everyone talked about special teams being the deciding factor. That insight, so far, proves to be true.

Goaltending needs a kick start: All season long, Jeff Jakaitis has given his team a chance to win. During game four of the series, he didn't play his best and was replaced by Daigneault in game five. The Daigneault solution didn't pay off and when Jakaitis replaced Daigneault during game five, he didn't look his normal self during the rest of the game. If the Checkers can't get goaltending in game six, the series ends tonight.

The Checkers are playing their 16th season of play as a member of the ECHL. In the team's 16-year history, the Checkers have made the playoffs 12 times including five consecutive playoff appearances to date. The Checkers are in their fourth season of play at Time Warner Cable Arena. For season ticket information, please call 704-342-4-ICE or visit www.gocheckers.com.

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ECHL Stories from April 19, 2009


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