After an early two-goal lead by the Penguins, Will Lockwood and Ben Steeves would pave the way for a Checkers comeback by forcing overtime, where John Leonard would come through in the clutch with the game-winning goal.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Penguins controlled the tilt early in the game with a two-goal lead on the Checkers early on in the second period.
- Making his first appearance since an injury, Lockwood tallied the first Checkers goal in the new year, fueling the team’s latter half fight.
- With under four minutes left in the game, Steeve’s redirected a shot out front on the power play to level the score and force the matchup into overtime.
- The fast paced overtime would set the stage for Leonard’s game-winner as he beat the goaltender from the slot, finishing off the Penguins.
NOTES
The Checkers are 3-1-0-0 against the Penguins this season … The Checkers are 2-1 in overtime this season and 4-3 in games that have gone beyond regulation … Leonard has both overtime winners for Charlotte this season .. Lockwood returned from an injury that had sidelined him since Nov. 10 … Leonard has goals in back-to-back games … Riley Hughes has points in three straight games … Matt Kiersten has assists in back-to-back games and points in three straight … Jaycob Megna skated in his 400th AHL game … Riley Bezeau, Nicholas Zabaneh, MacKenzie Entwistle, Zac Dalpe, Ryan McAllister, Aidan McDonough, Sandis Vilmanis, Riese Gaber, Mitch Vande Sompel and Keith Kinkaid were the extras for Charlotte
