With tonight’s contest carrying a lot of weight for the Checkers’ playoff hopes, the team will be getting some helpful reinforcements, both from up top and from the sideline.
After missing the last nine games due to injury, it looks as if Brock McGinn will be rejoining the team tonight against Texas.
“We’re hoping Brock can go tonight,” said head coach Mark Morris after morning skate. “We’re excited to have him back.”
Despite only appearing in 40 games this season, splitting time between Charlotte and Carolina, the second-year pro has put up 14 goals, good for third on the team, and has been lethal on the power play, where his seven markers are tied for the team lead.
“Obviously with his grit and tenacity and skill he adds a great deal to our lineup,” said Morris. “It’s good to see him back and getting healthy.
The other top forward who has been out of the lineup as of late, Andrew Miller, is further out in his recovery. He has skated with the team over the last two days but likely won’t be an option come game time.
“Miller is going to take a little bit more time,” said Morris. “I don’t think he’s going to be in for the weekend.”
In addition to the return of McGinn, the Checkers will be getting two big boosts from Raleigh in Derek Ryan and Sergey Tolchinsky.
Both forwards appeared in the Hurricanes’ win over the Rangers last night and are slated to play their second game in as many days tonight with Charlotte.
Ryan, who has been bouncing between the NHL and AHL clubs over the last month, scored a goal in his NHL debut for Carolina, and Morris pointed to that as a spark for his strong play for the Checkers as of late. Now Tolchinsky is returning after notching an assist in his debut and could be looking for a similar boost, though there are pitfalls that could come with the situation.
“There’s two ways I’ve seen this go,” said Morris. “A guy comes back and he has great confidence, or his mind is still in Raleigh. It’s important that they keep their mind and their heart where they are. They’re important pieces of the puzzle for us here down the stretch.”
Adding McGinn, Ryan and Tolchinsky to the lineup gives the Checkers three of their top seven scorers back. Reinserting those high-end offensive weapons should give the team a jolt, something they’ll need heading into a matchup with the high-flying Stars tonight.
“It’s huge,” said Morris of getting that group back. “You want your best players to be your best players. Without that grouping, it puts a lot on the shoulders of some other guys who are more noted for heavy, physical play. That’s not to undersell the importance of those lines that can grind and wear down the opposition, but [McGinn, Ryan and Tolchinsky] are skilled enough to make a difference in the game.”
