Senators Spoil Checkers' Return Home
Published on November 20, 2018 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release
CHARLOTTE, NC - The Checkers' return to Bojangles' Coliseum wasn't pretty, with Charlotte falling to the Belleville Senators by a 5-1 score.
The home side got on the board first thanks to a familiar sight - Valentin Zykov popping home a power-play goal from right in front of the crease. That lead was erased minutes later by a Senators' power-play strike, however, and that would turn the tide of the contest.
Jack Rodewald struck twice inside the final five minutes of the second for Belleville to push the visitors ahead, then Rudolfs Balcers took advantage of a costly turnover early in the third to blow the game open and set the stage for the Senators 5-1 victory.
Quotes
Coach Mike Vellucci on giving up five goals
That wasn't on Ned. They had 15 chances in the first period, Grade A scoring chances, and only had one goal. I didn't pull Ned because he was bad, I pulled Ned because the team was terrible in front of him and he didn't deserve to be left in the net playing like he was. He played fine. It has nothing to do with him. Our team was horrible tonight. We didn't show up, we didn't compete. We gave them an extra day off because of the long road trip and told them to be ready to start, and we were not ready. I'm very disappointed in our leadership because no one said a word on the bench. It has nothing to do with Ned. That game could have been 10-0 in the first period.
Vellucci on conveying that message to the team
They already know. I told them after the first period. It was embarrassing in front of our home crowd. Absolutely no excused. Not one guy was good tonight. Not one guy communicated on the bench. I think we thought we're better than we really are. We had a good record on the road, good road trip, but we can't show up and think things are going to happen without any work. Give them credit, they played hard, they played smart, we turned it over and gave them chance after chance.
Vellucci on bouncing back for tomorrow's rematch
The whole room better or they're going to get embarrassed again. It's on them. It was absolutely embarrassing. It's on them and if they don't figure it out then we're going to have to figure it out for them.
Greg McKegg on the game
I just think we got off to a tough start and weren't getting pucks deep. WE turned the puck over early on, they capitalized on their chances and we were just playing catch up after that.
McKegg on if fatigue from the six-game road trip was a factor
For sure the schedule is tough but I think it's tough for everyone. It's definitely not an excuse. We've just got to get back at it tomorrow and find our legs.
McKegg on bouncing back
It's one game, and we've got to look at the big picture here. We're on a pretty good roll. There's going to be ups and downs in the season and you've just got to maintain that level of consistency, play through the downs and everything's going to be alright.
Notes
Prior to tonight, the Checkers had not lost by more than two goals ... They have allowed a season high goals in consecutive games ... Their 20 shots on goal tied their lowest total of the season ... This was the sixth time the Checkers gave up at least seven power-play opportunities ... Zykov's goal was his first of the season at any level (13 NHL games and three AHL games) ... Alex Nedeljkovic was pulled for the second consecutive game ... Forwards Patrick Brown and Spencer Smallman and defenseman Josiah Didier missed the game due to injury ... Forwards Steven Lorentz and Zack Stortini were healthy extras.
Up Next
The Checkers and Senators square off again tomorrow night for the first Winning Wednesday and $1 Beer Night of the season.
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