Shaya's 10 Thoughts: March 3, 2016

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: roster changes, crucial games at home and more.

1) With Drew MacIntyre traded, the playoff hopes rest squarely on the shoulders of Daniel Altshuller. In his previous game, Altshuller bested his counterpart, Connor Hellebuyck, for a 2-1 victory in Manitoba. Hellebuyck is generally considered the best goalie in the world playing outside the NHL. It's a good sign for the Checkers that Altshuller is more than prepared to grab the reigns.

2) Some of the best goaltending performances in Checkers history were delivered by Drew MacIntyre during the previous two seasons. For long stretches last year, Drew put the entire team on his shoulders while carrying it to victory. He now has a chance to win a Calder Cup with a heavily armed Rockford team. We wish him and his family all the best.

3) The next Checkers road trip is the penultimate of the season. It will last 16 days from beginning to end and take place in four different cities. Road wins at the end of a season are very difficult to get because teams are worn down. That means this six-game homestand could decide the fate of this team. They can't secure a playoff spot by winning, but they can absolutely sink the ship by not putting up points. It's make or break time.

4) As I checked out the NHL standings yesterday, I noticed the Toronto Maple Leafs had the worst record in the league. I am perplexed by this. How does a team that is coached by the most genius mind of Mike Babcock lose so often? You would think his sheer intellect and coaching acumen would propel them to a few more wins.

5) If Jimmy Howard, who is a great goaltender, is available for trade this summer, I wonder if the Hurricanes make a push for him. Howard has many years left in the tank. If the Canes can build on this year's momentum, Howard is certainly capable of leading the them to the postseason next year.

6) Justin Faulk was left off the early Team USA roster for the World Cup of Hockey? Who screwed that up?

7) If you have a few minutes to read the Hurricanes' Mike Sundheim's tribute to Eric Staal called "The Kid from Thunder Bay," you should do so. Sometimes it's easy to forget the human story behind player trades.

8) Former Checkers captain Brett Sutter was traded from Iowa to Ontario. It would have been a great time for Brett to return to his former team here in Charlotte. The Checkers could really use him with all the roster movement going on. For Brett, he now has a serious shot at winning a championship in Ontario or Los Angeles.

9) Well done, Derek Ryan. He carries over his two goal performance in Winnipeg for Charlotte to an NHL debut and first NHL goal in New Jersey. Not sure what the future holds for Ryan but, let's just say that Ryan spends the rest of his season in the NHL. If that's the case, I think the team should put the captain's "C" on the jersey of number 18, Kyle Hagel.

10) While doing some research on the listenership to our ESPN 730 stream, which will once again be available on TuneIn Radio, I was blown away by the number of fans we reach each and every game. Thanks for your support and don't hesitate to be a part of the broadcast by tweeting me @Jason_Shaya every single game with questions and comments.