Weekly Report: Split up North
Published on October 23, 2023 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release
The Checkers hit the road for a tough test north of the border this past weekend, splitting their first road series of the season against the Marlies.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Team Statistics
Overall record
2-2-0-0
Home record
1-1-0-0
Road record
1-1-0-0
Last week's record
1-1-0-0
Last 10 games
2-2-0-0
Division Standings
5th
Conference Standings
9th
League Standings
16th
Checkers 3, Marlies 2
Checkers 2, Marlies 4
QUICK HITS
STANDING TALL
One of the brightest spots for the Checkers thus far has been the play between the pipes. Spencer Knight and Mack Guzda have split the workload thus far, and despite both goalies holding a 1-1-0 record they have turned in some stellar outings on the ice. Both netminders sport identical 2.02 goals-against averages, and the Checkers are one of only two teams in the AHL to have two qualified goalies with a save percentage of at least .930.
Charlotte's netminders have stopped 107 of the 115 shots they've seen through four contests, and removing empty-net goals they've surrendered more than two goals in a single game just once.
KILLING IT
Strong play in goal has also been a key part in Charlotte's red-hot start to the penalty kill. The Checkers didn't allow a power-play goal until the third period of Sunday's game in Toronto - their fourth of the season. Even with that lone blemish, they have successfully killed 17 of their 18 times shorthanded thus far - good for a 94.4% clip that ranks fourth in the AHL.
KINNUNEN KILLS IT
Santtu Kinnunen continues to pile up the points early on this season. The blue liner is the only Checker to record a point in each of the first four games, and his six helpers stand among the league's best. Kinnunen has also factored into two of Charlotte's three power-play goals thus far.
FIRING PUCKS
One area in which the Checkers find themselves in the league cellar is shots per game. They are averaging 21.75 shots per game - 0.75 points behind the 31st ranked team - and have not registered double-digit shots in a period over the last two contests.
The good news is that the Checkers are converting on those shots for 2.75 goals per game - a number that clocks in at 21st in the AHL.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK
Facing a 6-on-4 advantage from Toronto, Spencer Knight locked things down in the final minute of play with this huge save to seal Saturday's victory!
RANKS
Santtu Kinnunen is tied for the league lead league among blue liners in assists (6)
Mike Benning is tied for the lead among AHL defensemen in power-play goals (1)
Lucas Carlsson is tied for the lead among AHL defensemen in game-winning goals (1)
Santtu Kinnunen is tied for second in the AHL in assists (6)
Santtu Kinnunen is tied for second among AHL defensemen in points (6)
Mike Benning is tied for fourth among AHL rookies in power-play goals (1)
Ryan McAllister is tied for fifth among AHL rookies in power-play assists (1)
Transactions
Incoming
Oct. 17 - Mackie Samoskevich - Assigned from Florida (NHL)
Oct. 17 - Brendan Perlini - Signed to PTO
Outgoing
Oct. 18 - Mark Senden - Assigned to Florida (ECHL)
Oct. 18 - Dennis Cesana - Assigned to Florida (ECHL)
Oct. 17 - Will Lockwood - Recalled by Florida (NHL)
Oct. 17 - Jonah Gadjovich - Released from AHL contract
By the Numbers
CATEGORY RECORD AHL RANK
Power play 16.7% t-17th
Penalty kill 94.4% 4th
Goals per game 2.75 t-21st
Shots per game 21.75 32nd
Goals allowed per game 2.75 10th
Shots allowed per game 29.50 t-11th
Penalty minutes per game 10.75 25th
LEADERS
CATEGORY LEADER(S)
Points Santtu Kinnunen (6), Will Lockwood, Zac Dalpe (3)
Goals Will Lockwood, Patrick Khodorenko (2), Seven tied (1)
Assists Santtu Kinnunen (6), Zac Dalpe (2), Nine tied (1)
Power play goals Will Lockwood, Mike Benning, Zac Dalpe (1)
Shorthanded goals None
Game-winning goals Patrick Khodorenko, Lucas Carlsson (1)
Shots on goal Will Lockwood (10), Lucas Carlsson, Zac Dalpe (8)
Penalty minutes Riley Bezeau (9), Lucas Carlsson (6), Four tied (4)
Plus/minus Patrick Khodorenko (+3), Casey Fitzgerald (+2), Six tied (+1)
Wins Mack Guzda, Spencer Knight (1)
Goals-against average Mack Guzda, Spencer Knight (2.02)
Save percentage Spencer Knight (.931)
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