1) Every team goes through its ups and downs during the season. Right now, the Checkers have hit a rough patch. Unfortunately, there is no time to sulk or shrug your shoulders and simply hope it gets better. The Atlantic Division is comprised of the toughest teams in the Eastern Conference. A long and protracted losing streak can sink an entire season. The Checkers have to find a way out of playing .500 hockey and return to the same form they displayed earlier this season. There is no doubt the return of Lucas Wallmark will boost this team's chances significantly. But, at this moment, they need more from just about everyone.
2) After taking silver in the World Junior Championship, team Sweden forward Lias Andersson took his medal off in disgust and threw it into the stands. Andersson already had a silver from losing to Finland in the U-18 Championships in 2016. "I lost last time. I didn't need another," is what Andersson said about having another silver. How can you not love this kid? The New York Rangers drafted a heck of a player and I'd have him on my team any day.
3) It's been a while since I've written this column so I never had a chance to thank everyone for their support during my NHL TV debut last month in Toronto. It was both the most stressful and exciting day of my life. I am very happy with the way things went and, more importantly, so were the Hurricanes. I am pleased to announce I'll be doing another game on Tuesday, Feb. 6, at PNC Arena against the Philadelphia Flyers. I'm looking forward to working with Mike Maniscalco, Tripp Tracy and the entire TV crew again.
4) My friend and former Checkers defenseman Bobby Sanguinetti made the United States Olympic Team. Bobby is both a phenomenal hockey player, who should be playing in the NHL, and a terrific person. I've been saying how great this kid is for years but now he can show everyone when he steps onto the biggest stage in the world next month.
5) Lucas Wallmark hasn't had much luck this season. After making his season debut in the NHL, he sustained a pretty brutal injury that sidelined him for the time being. He's also twice been injured while in the AHL this season. Wallmark's upside is clear to anyone who watches him play. He scored his first NHL goal against St. Louis while he was recalled. But, for any player to achieve their potential, they must remain healthy. Lucas needs an uninterrupted second half and the production to go along with it. If he gets back to 100 percent, he will be wearing the Canes sweater for good.
6) The Checkers saw the best of both Hershey goalies, Pheonix Copley and Vitek Vanacek, this past weekend. As a result of dropping both games, the Bears, who looked long out of a playoff picture just a few weeks ago, are now only five points behind Charlotte. With a fully healthy team and two well-playing goaltenders, Bears head coach Troy Mann is a threat to beat anyone on any night.
7) Ask any Checkers employee about team owner Michael Kahn, and eventually you get to Georgia Bulldogs football. For Michael, it's more than just a game. I'm sure as he stood on the sidelines last night, he heart was broken from that loss to Alabama. But, I also know he is immensely proud of the way Georgia played en route to a National Championship game on the back of an 18-year old quarterback. Congrats to Georgia on a great season. Perhaps the Checkers can do their best to give the Bulldogs a run for their money in the playoff department.
8) At this moment, I don't think the Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins are going to make the playoffs to defend their title. They're being chased by at least four teams with a legitimate shot at one of the two wild card spots. Although the Rangers are fighting for their lives as well, I think they will solidify themselves as the season unfolds. So, there may be only one open spot for five teams when it's all said and done. Losing three or four games in a row will be a death knell for teams.
9) The Marlies will be in Charlotte on Friday and Saturday having won their last four straight games. They're currently the top ranked team in the North Division, they give up the least amount of goals in the league and right winger Kasperi Kapanen is perhaps the most gifted player in the league. Their goaltender Garret Sparks is second in goals against average (1.83), is third in save percentage (.937) and has shut out the Checkers already once this season. This will be a tough test for Charlotte and if both games are as good as they were in Toronto, get ready for a serious battle.
10) With the All-Star selection for Charlotte being Valentin Zykov, you have to wonder how a kid like Warren Foegele is left off the list. After watching him play so far this season, coupled by his point total, how does the AHL not want to showcase his talent? Similarly, Andrew Miller has been amongst the league leaders in points and one of the most consistent players for the Checkers all year. Miller has only gone 10 games this year without a point.
