Despite a chance-filled opening frame that saw the two sides combine for 29 shots on goal, the first puck didn’t find the back of the net until the final three minutes of the second period. Holding the puck in the zone, Benning launched a shot from the point that snuck its way through traffic and in to give Charlotte the lead heading into the third.
Good things happen when you put pucks on net! pic.twitter.com/fdxC8ntgBm
— Charlotte Checkers (@CheckersHockey) March 23, 2024
The Checkers came out with some quick success in the final frame, with Benning again sending in a shot on goal and a streaking Will Lockwood getting a piece of it for a slick redirection that doubled Charlotte’s advantage.
That proved to be more than enough offense for Charlotte, as Knight kept things locked down between the pipes. He faced an array of attacks from Springfield’s high-end weapons - including multiple breakaways, four power plays and several goal-mouth scrambles down the stretch - but never ceded anything on the scoreboard, clinching his fourth shutout of the season and earning a crucial two points for his squad.
Knight says no! pic.twitter.com/Crb0JHEcrG
— Charlotte Checkers (@CheckersHockey) March 23, 2024