AHL Charlotte Checkers

Checkers Weekly Report

Published on December 12, 2011 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release


Overall record: 15-10-2 (Home 9-3-1 | Road 6-7-1)

Last week's record: 0-3-0 | Last 10 games: 6-4-0

Standings: 1st Midwest Division | 3rd Western Conference

The Checkers slumped to three consecutive losses last week for just the second time in the club's two-year history, having dropped a home decision to Lake Erie on Monday before losing both games of a two-game trip through Texas and San Antonio.

Despite losing a bit of ground in the standings, the Checkers still hold the Western Conference's No. 3 seed by way of their one-point Midwest Division lead over Milwaukee. They will have an excellent chance to get back on track as they play their next four games at Time Warner Cable Arena, two apiece against Chicago and Oklahoma City, leading up to a nine-day break in the schedule that begins on Dec. 21.

Lake Erie 3, Charlotte 1 -

The Checkers concluded a cluster of three games in three nights with a 3-1 loss to Lake Erie on Monday that also wrapped up the team's six-game home stand. The Monsters' Greg Mauldin broke a 1-1 tie with a power-play goal late in the third period before Tyson Barrie added an empty-net goal that sealed the Monsters' run of three unanswered goals. Jerome Samson opened the scoring for the Checkers with his 10th goal of the season, with Justin Peters making 34 saves in goal.

Texas 3, Charlotte 0 -

Stars goalie Tyler Beskorowany became the second goaltender to shut out the Checkers this season, making 29 saves to help his team beat Charlotte for the second time in as many meetings. The Checkers allowed a shorthanded goal for the third time in their last four games, this time to Texas' Colton Sceviour, which would prove to be the game winner late in the first period. Matt Fraser and Hubert Labrie also scored against the Checkers' Justin Peters, who finished with 22 saves.

San Antonio 4, Charlotte 1 -

Jared Staal ended the Checkers' team-record goal drought at 163 minutes with the first power-play goal of his AHL career, preventing Charlotte from being shut out for the second consecutive game with just 32 seconds to spare. Rampage goalie Jacob Markstrom made 44 saves as his team jumped out to a 3-0 first period lead and never looked back en route to a 4-1 win, sending Charlotte to its third consecutive defeat.

- A RARE SLUMP: Last week marked the Checkers' second losing streak of three or more games and first since dropping four in a row from Oct. 11-20, 2010. Previously, the Checkers had only experienced one two-game losing streak this season, dropping games in Houston on Oct. 30 and in Milwaukee on Nov. 4. They had gone on four winning streaks of two or more games, including a team-record five-game winning streak to close the month of November.

- DROUGHT OVER: The Checkers ended a team-record goal drought that lasted 163 minutes and 31 seconds on Sunday when Jared Staal broke San Antonio goalie Jacob Markstrom's shutout bid with just 32 seconds remaining in regulation. Previously, the team's longest goal drought lasted 91:34 from March 4-6, 2011.

- DIVISIONAL DOMINANCE: Charlotte has earned 13 out of a possible 16 points (6-1-1) against Midwest Division opponents this season, marking the best percentage of any team against its own division this season. Rounding out the four divisions they've faced, the Checkers have winning records against the East (2-1-1) and North (2-1-0), but have posted a 5- 7-0 mark against the West.

- HOME AND AWAY: Charlotte is tied with Manchester and Rochester for the most points earned at home (19). With a record of 9-3-1 this season, the AHL Checkers have improved to 31-16-5 all-time at Time Warner Cable Arena. However, back-to-back losses on their recent two-game road trip have put the Checkers below the .500 mark on the road with a season record of 6-7-1.

- SHORTIES EVERYWHERE: The Checkers have experienced a rare run of shorthanded goals, at one point scoring two and allowing three during a four-game span from Dec. 3-9. For the season, they now rank tied for second in the league with four shorthanded goals scored while tying for the second-most shorthanded goals allowed with four. Defenseman Mathieu Roy has factored in on three of the Checkers' shorthanded goals scored (1g, 2a), tying him for the league lead in shorthanded points.

- MATSUMUTO ON CAREER PACE: Checkers scoring leader Jon Matsumoto ranks tied for 14th in AHL scoring with 24 points (10g, 14a) in 27 games this season. He is tied with Jerome Samson for the team lead in goals and trails Chris Terry by one for the team lead in assists. Now in his fifth AHL season, Matsumoto is on pace for 67 points, which would top his previous career high, set during the 2008-09 season with Philadelphia, by 4.

- Dec. 11 - (F) Drayson Bowman recalled to Carolina (NHL) from Charlotte

- Dec. 8 - (F) Justin Shugg reassigned to Florida (ECHL) from Charlotte

- Dec. 7 - (F) Mike McKenzie mutually released from SPC by Charlotte

- Dec. 7 - (G) John Muse recalled by Charlotte from Florida (ECHL)

- Dec. 6 - (G) Mike Murphy recalled to Carolina (NHL) from Charlotte

Thurdsay, Dec. 15 vs. Chicago (7 p.m.)

- Harris Teeter VIC Card Thursday - Show Your Harris Teeter VIC Card at the box office and receive $5 off any seat.

- College Night - College students get 50 percent off tickets.

- Rock Night - Fans are encouraged to wear rock-themed clothing and should be prepared to "rock out."

- Wet Your Whistle Weekday - 12 oz. Bud Lights for $3.50

Friday, Dec. 16 vs. Chicago (7 p.m.)

- Black Friday Presented by Amtrak - The Checkers will wear special black jerseys, courtesy of Amtrak.

Sunday, Dec. 18 vs. Oklahoma City (6 p.m.)

- Arts for Life Art Supply Drive - Bring art supplies or toys to the game and receive a complimentary ticket to an upcoming game courtesy of Presbyterian Hospital.

- Coke Family Four Pack - 4 tickets, 4 hot dogs, 4 Cokes and a Coke coupon for $60.

- Family Day Presented by North Carolina Zoo Asheboro - Zoo coupons will be handed out

Tuesday, Dec. 20 vs. Oklahoma City (7 p.m.)

- Cheesy Holiday Sweater Night

- Wet Your Whistle Weekday - 12 oz. Bud Lights for $3.50

Check out the Charlotte Checkers Statistics

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American Hockey League Stories from December 12, 2011


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