It's currently the AHL's All-Star break, signaling the end of the first half of the 2015-16 season and the start of the second half push for the playoffs.
With the team enjoying a few days off before returning to the ice Friday, let's take a player-by-player look at how the team has fared through the first half of the season.
We'll wrap things up today with the goalies.
DANIEL ALTSHULLER | 9-2-2 | 2.17 GAA | .929 SV%
At the start of this season, you’d have been hard-pressed to predict that Daniel Altshuller would be such a huge piece of the Checkers’ success through the first half. But after tearing it up in the ECHL to kick off his second season with the Florida Everblades, the young netminder earned his AHL shot and took full advantage. He has put up eye-popping numbers to start his AHL career and was a driving force behind Charlotte’s record-breaking point streak that helped it climb their way up the standings.
Altshuller has been less successful since returning from his first NHL recall, allowing eight goals on 74 shots in two losses and two more in his relief stint against Iowa on Jan. 30. But if he can come back after the break and get his hot hand back, Altshuller could be one of the biggest keys to the second half for Charlotte.
DREW MACINTYRE | 10-10-1 | 3.19 GAA | .889 SV%
A workhorse in the crease last season, MacIntyre has been mostly solid in goal for the Checkers through the first half. He leads the team with 10 wins and helped kick off that record-breaking point streak before heading to Switzerland to represent Canada at the Spengler Cup.
The veteran suffered an injury at the tournament and missed a chunk of time after the holiday break. MacIntyre has seen some struggles since coming back, allowing eight goals in his two games since returning. Still, he has earned his team a point in six of his last eight starts and is a seasoned veteran. If MacIntyre can get back on track, his experience and leadership will be a big stabilizer for the team as it head down the stretch to the playoffs.
RASMUS TIRRONEN | 6-2-1 | 3.09 GAA | .888 SV%
Although he is currently in Florida, Tirronen played a part in the Checkers’ goaltending situation in the first half. The rookie backed up MacIntyre to start the season and Altshuller during his run, making 11 appearances on the season. While his stats aren’t gaudy, Tirronen has found ways to win, notching a 6-2-1 record currently.
AHL goalie situations are often fluid, so there is a chance that we will see Tirronen again in Charlotte, whether it be due to injuries or recalls or roster shakeups. Tirronen has been able to step in and provide a calming influence several times this season, so having that option should provide some relief for the Checkers in the second half of the season.
