Checkers Take 1-0 Series Lead Over Top-Seeded Penguins
Published on April 28, 2011 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release
WILKES-BARRE, P.A.-Jon Matsumoto scored two power-play goals as the Charlotte Checkers defeated the top-seeded Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, 3-2, on Thursday evening.
With the win, the Checkers take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series with three of the next four games in Charlotte. Game 2 is Saturday in Wilkes-Barre at 7:05 p.m.
Mike Murphy continued his stellar play in goal for Charlotte, making 28 saves to improve his postseason record to 4-1. Zac Dalpe scored the Checkers' first goal to jump out to an early lead.
Geoff Walker and Brett Sterling scored for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton while goalie Brad Thiessen stopped 16 of the Checkers' 19 shots. The Penguins outshot Charlotte 30-19 on the night.
At 15:10 of the first period, the Checkers drew first blood in the series with a goal by Dalpe. Following a takeaway by Brett Sutter at center ice, Zach Boychuk fed Dalpe, who moved into Penguins' zone and snapped a wrist shot from the top of the left-wing circle that beat Thiessen high, glove-side.
The Penguins evened the score, early in the second, with a power-play goal by Walker. Keven Veilleux backhanded a pass across from the left wing to the driving Walker, who drove the puck by Murphy.
The Checkers regained a 2-1 lead at 7:18 of the second period on Matsumoto's first goal of the postseason. While on the power play, Casey Borer faked a shot, found an opening in the defense and slipped a pass across the ice to Matsumoto. The veteran center one-timed the pass from the lower right-wing circle to beat the moving Thiessen.
Five minutes into the third period, Matsumoto picked up his second power-play goal of the night on an abbreviated 5-on-3. After a battle in front, Riley Nash found Matsumoto at the side of the net, who then lifted the pick over the sprawling Thiessen.
Only 1:23 later, Sterling cut the Checkers' lead to 3-2 with the Penguins' second power-play goal of the evening. Tim Wallace backhanded a pass from the left-wing boards to Sterling in front, who chipped the puck past Murphy.
Drayson Bowman was assessed a minor penalty with 1:47 remaining. With about a minute remaining, the Penguins pulled Thiessen to create a 6-on-4 advantage, but the Checkers' defense clamped down and Murphy stood tall to hang on for the 3-2 victory.
The Checkers (1-0) will remain in Wilkes-Barre for Game 2 on Saturday before returning to Time Warner Cable Arena for Games 3, 4 and 5 (if necessary) on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, respectively. For ticket information call 704-342-4423 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
American Hockey League Stories from April 28, 2011
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