THE MATCHUP
The Checkers are looking to take their positive momentum on the road, starting with a pivotal matchup in Hartford against a Wolf Pack team that sits immediately in front of them in the Atlantic Division standings.THE STORYLINES
On A Roll
Coming off a tough stretch of seven losses in eight games, the Checkers have righted the ship and are netting some positive results. They are currently on a six-game point streak (4-0-2-0) - a run that not only matches their best of the season, but stands as the longest active points streak in the hyper-competitive Atlantic Division.Charlotte will be looking to keep that streak alive against a Hartford squad that is 2-4-0-1 over the last seven games and enters Wednesday on a two-game winless skid. Still, the Wolf Pack hold a two-point edge on the Checkers in the standings while having played two fewer games.
Finding The Back Of The Net
A key part of Charlotte’s recent hot streak has been a resurgence of its offensive attack. The Checkers have posted 25 total goals over the last six games - scoring at least four in five of those contests and at least five in each of the last three.That reinvigorated offense will go head-to-head with a Hartford squad that ranks 12th in the league in goals allowed per game, though they have allowed at least four goals in five of the last 10 games and each of the last two.
New Addition
Charlotte’s group of forwards got a new addition this week in Jamieson Rees. The 23-year-old is property of the Carolina Hurricanes, but since the Hurricanes do not have an AHL affiliate this season they have been loaning out their prospects across the AHL. Rees, a second-round pick in 2019, started this season with Springfield and recorded three points (0g, 3a) in 30 games for the Thunderbirds. Dropped into a new environment, Rees will be looking to recapture his production for the previous season, where he posted 42 points (14g, 28a) and 92 penalty minutes in 65 games for Chicago.In other roster news, head coach Geordie Kinnear noted after Sunday’s game that Skyler Brind’Amour’s injury is “a little bit longer term”. The rookie forward took a puck to the face on Feb. 17 and has missed the three games since then.
Carlsson Keeps Going
Lucas Carlsson is once again proving himself to be an elite scorer among AHL blue liners - leading them in goals (15) and ranking second in points (39). He is currently riding high on a nine-game point streak, having found the scoresheet in each of Charlotte’s games during the month of February.THE ONES TO WATCH
Charlotte
- Lucas Carlsson - 11 points in last 9 games
- Rasmus Asplund - 4 assists in last 3 games
- Gerry Mayhew - 7 points in last 3 games
Hartford
- Brett Berard - 11 points in last 11 games
- Jake Leschyshyn - 4 points in last 3 games
- Tyler Pitlick - 5 points in last 3 games
