Game Preview: Checkers at Lake Erie (Oct. 29, 2015)

The Checkers have nearly reached the end of their grueling month-long road trip, with a pair on contests in Lake Erie being the only thing between them and their home opener. Charlotte heads into their matchup with the Monsters coming off a tightly-contested shootout victory over the Rockford IceHogs, and the Checkers will be looking to keep their winning ways going.

Here are 8 things to know heading into tonight's game:

1. SAME NAME, NEW TEAM

The Checkers and the Monsters are no strangers, having met 16 times over the past five seasons. But there is a major difference with year's Lake Erie team: their affiliation. The Monsters are no longer affiliated with the Colorado Avalanche, as they had been in every other meeting with the Checkers, switching this past offseason to partner with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The switch essentially renders the Checkers' all-time record against the Monsters meaningless heading into this matchup, as this is an entirely different set of players and prospects than in previous meetings. As a member of the Eastern Conference in 2010-11, Charlotte faced Columbus' prospects with the Springfield Falcons, splitting a four-game series.

2. GOALIE DUEL

Lake Erie enters tonight's contest on a roll, having earned points in each of their last four games since dropping their season opener. Much of that recent success can be attributed to the strong play of their goalie tandem as of late. The Monsters were lit up for six goals against the Rochester Americans in their lone loss, but have allowed just two goals in regulation over the next four games. Anton Forsberg has bounced back since that rough opener, stopping 48 of 50 shots in his next two appearances, both wins. The other half of the tandem, Joonas Korpisalo, has been lights out in the crease as well. The rookie has played two games this season and has yet to allow a goal in 125 minutes of play.

For Charlotte, Drew MacIntyre has again taken full control of the crease. He currently leads the league in minutes played, has started seven of the Checkers' eight games and made a relief appearance in Rasmus Tirronen's lone start. The veteran has settled in and allowed just five goals in his last three appearances, including a stellar 36-save performance in Rockford two nights ago. With the Checkers continuing through a stretch of playing every other day, there is also the chance Tirronen could find his way into a game, though the rookie was shaky in his one start, giving up four goals in under 40 minutes.

3. SLOWING DOWN

The Checkers' high-flying offensive attack has taken a downturn as of late. After totaling 21 goals in their first four games (3-1-0-0), the Checkers have been stiffled, only registering seven in their last 12 periods of regulation. The drop in production can be partially attributed to the lack of scoring from the team's high-end talent. Zach Boychuk has yet to find the back of the net, while newcomers T.J. Hensick and Sergey Tolchinsky have not lit the lamp since the season opener. The losses of Brock McGinn (to the NHL) and Justin Shugg (to injury) haven't helped the matter. In the meantime, Derek Ryan has buoyed the attack with a team-leading five goals on the year and the secondary threats have stepped up, but getting those main weapons going will be a big boost for the team going forward.

The good news for Charlotte during this scoring drought has been the resurgence of their team defense. After surrendering 13 total goals in back-to-back losses in Chicago and Grand Rapids, the Checkers have buckled down, allowing just five in their last three contests.

4. RYAN TAKES OFF

If there was initially any concern about whether reigning Swedish league MVP Derek Ryan would struggle to adjust to the North American game, he has put those to rest with his strong play early this season. The 28-year-old leads the team and is tied for fourth in the league with five goals through his first eight games in the AHL. Ryan, who has emerged as a much-needed top center for Charlotte, has been especially strong in clutch situations as of late. He netted the game-winner in the final two minutes of play against Grand Rapids this past Friday and scored what was at the time the go-ahead goal late in regulation Sunday in Rockford.

5. SHUGG SIDELINED

Last year's scoring leader Justin Shugg, who picked up where he left off with three points in the first three games of this season, has now missed each of the last five contests with an upper-body concern and his status remains uncertain.

6. CHELIOS MAKING WAVES

James Wisniewski's injury has forced the Hurricanes to rely on recalls to fill their roster, thereby opening up a spot on the Charlotte blue line. So far, newcomer Jake Chelios has made the most of the opportunity and his play has given him a solid grip on the spot. After serving as a healthy extra for the first two games of the season, Chelios has racked up six points in six games, pulling him even with Trevor Carrick for the lead among team defensemen. Carrick and Chelios are also tied for fourth among AHL defensemen in scoring.

7. SHOOTOUT SUCCESS

The Checkers have had two games go to a shootout this season, coming away with victories in both instances. Charlotte needed just two shooters in both games, with T.J. Hensick and Sergey Tolchinsky getting the nod each time. Hensick converted both of his attempts in nearly identical fashion, but Drew MacIntyre has been the true shootout star so far. He stoned both of the Rockford attempts Sunday to improve to 24-for-26 in shootouts for the Checkers over the last two seasons. Last year, the Checkers were among the league's best in the shootout, going 5-1.

8. CHASING HISTORY

Already the franchise goals leader, Zach Boychuk needs just one point to surpass Chris Terry and become the Checkers’ all-time points leader. He is also 12 shy of becoming the team’s all-time leader in games played, is 11 shy in assists and is one game-winner away from becoming the franchise leader in those categories. He became the team’s all-time leader in power-play points with his assist on Ryan’s goal last Friday.

Mark Morris now owns sole possession of ninth place all time with 343 career AHL wins. He sits 10 shy of seventh place, though Randy Cunneyworth (tied for seventh with 353 wins) is also active.