Shaya's 10 Thoughts: Jan. 6, 2015

Checkers broadcaster Jason Shaya checks in each week with his 10 Thoughts - a series of observations about the team and the hockey world in general. This week: an impressive win, a week of firsts, World Juniors and more.

1) I think it's fair to say that the best 60 minutes the Checkers played this season came in Sunday's 5-2 victory over the Texas Stars. They did a great job of limiting chances against and capitalized on their scoring opportunities early,, thus setting the tone for the game. Hopefully, this can propel some confidence as they head to the freezing cold and snowy North.

2) We saw a plethora of firsts this past week. It was Dennis Robertson and Patrick Brown scoring their first professional goals this past Wednesday and Sunday, respectively, and Keegan Lowe scoring his first goal of the season while Justin Shugg registered his first-ever three point game on Sunday.

3) You have to wonder about many of the decisions made for Team USA's World Junior squad. Team USA was too young for this tournament, dressing only 11 19-year-old players. Among the omissions on the roster was Christian Dvorak, who has 69 points in 36 games with London and should have helped their lackluster offense. Also, not pairing Sonny Milano with Jack Eichel, as they played on the same line during their time with the US Development program last year, was a big error. I doubt head coach Mark Osiecki is invited back. The team unraveled, taking far too many penalties against Russia on Saturday. Maybe the better pick for head coach would be Danton Cole of Pontiac, Michigan, who is the fantastic head coach with the USNTDP.

4) Looks like center Brody Sutter should make his comeback at some point during the Checkers'' four-game road swing which begins Wednesday in Grand Rapids.

5) Speaking of Grand Rapids, the Red Wings' top affiliate has highly-touted prospect Anthony Mantha back after he sustained a broken leg during the Traverse City prospect tournament earlier this year. Mantha, who scored 81 goals in 81 total games last season for the Val d'Or Foreurs, is being predicted to have a spot waiting for him on the Wings roster at the start of next season. I'm not so sure about that but he will be fun to watch this week.

6) I read that LA Kings head coach Darryl Sutter recently stated that a .920 save percentage wouldn't cut it anymore for NHL goaltenders. He thinks goalies need to have their numbers around .950. I have to say that it's definitely possible but only if they make the nets smaller and the pucks much bigger. But, I am in favor of that regardless.

7) Before the season, Checkers head coach Jeff Daniels told me he would love to see Justin Shugg score 40 goals. Well, at this point, he is almost exactly on pace to meet that expectation.

8) This week, A.J. Jenks couldn't reach an agreement to stay in Charlotte after the expiration of his PTO. Jenks is a terrific person and a great hockey player. He came in and really gave the team a boost and he will be missed in that dressing room. I am sure it won't be long before he finds a home with another AHL team.

9) I've probably written something like this before, but it's pretty evident based on where the Checkers are in the standings that stringing losses together would break their backs in any hopes for the postseason. That means with this extended road trip, the team must find a way to win away from home ice. The road has been very unkind to Charlotte this season. The first game is Wednesday night against Grand Rapids and you can listen using the Checkers TuneIn Radio app or AHL Live.

10) I wouldn't be surprised if we see some movement from the Hurricanes directly impact the Checkers roster in the next few days and weeks. It should be pretty interesting as we start talking more and more about the trade deadline in the NHL.