Game Preview: Checkers at Ontario (Jan. 3, 2016)

The Checkers will again square off with the Ontario Reign after dropping the Kings' affiliate 4-2 last night. Charlotte enters today's tilt on a franchise record nine-game point streak.

Here are 9 things to know about the game:

1. THE STREAK ROLLS ON

With last night's win over the Reign, the last team to beat them in regulation, the Checkers extended their franchise-best point streak to nine games. That currently stands as the longest active streak in the AHL.

2. ROAD WARRIORS

On top of their overall streak, the Checkers have also put together a solid stretch away from home this season. They have earned at least one point in each of their last six road games, two shy of the franchise record set during the 2010-11 season.

The 11 road wins the Checkers have this season is the second-most in the AHL, trailing only the league-leading Toronto Marlies.

3. PLAYOFF POSITION

Sitting even a .500 at the time of their last regulation loss, the Checkers' have stormed into fourth in the Central Division with a winning percentage of .613. For the first time since Halloween, Charlotte sits in a Central Division playoff spot, as the new AHL format takes the top four in each division to the playoffs.

With the exception of second-place Ontario, Central Division teams currently occupy five of the top six spots in the Western Conference.

4. SHUGG DOES IT ALL

Justin Shugg continued his strong season on Saturday when he recorded a goal, an assist and a fight, better known as a Gordie Howe Hat Trick. After getting the helper on the Checkers' power-play goal to open the game, Shugg dropped the gloves with Zach Leslie for his first fight in the AHL. The forward capped off his accomplishment with what would end up being the game-winning goal in the second period.

5. HENSICK HEATING UP

It may have taken few games, but T.J. Hensick is back to his point-producing self. One of the Checkers' biggest offseason acquisitions, Hensick missed 11 games due to injury early on this season. He was scoreless in his first three contests after returning to game action, but has since recorded a point in five straight, including the empty netter last night to seal the Checkers' victory.

5. WELCOME BACK TIRRONEN

Rookie Rasmus Tirronen's last start for the Checkers was on Dec. 5, when he allowed five goals to the Ontario Reign in Charlotte's last regulation loss. After a brief stint in the ECHL with Florida, he returned to the Charlotte crease last night against the same Ontario team and shined. Tirronen turned aside 35 of the 37 shots he was peppered with to earn the big win for Charlotte.

With Drew MacIntyre sidelined for the time-being due to an injury, the Checkers will continue to use the young tandem of Tirronen and Daniel Altshuller, who has started his AHL career 5-0-1.

6. THE IMPORTANCE OF HOT STARTS

The Checkers showed last night why getting off to strong starts has been a key component of their success this season. They have not lost a game in regulation in which they held a lead at either intermission (10-0-1 when leading after one period, 11-0-1 when leading after two). Similarly, they have been nearly unstoppable when scoring the first goal of the game, holding a 12-2-2 record in those situations.

7. EXCELLING AT BOTH EXTREMES

The Checkers have been the strongest this season when playing at both extremes. Defensively, they have won all 12 games in which they have allowed two or fewer goals, while offensively they are 16-3-1 in games where they scored three or more goals of their own.

They also excelled in close contests, going 10-3-2 in games decided by one goal so far this season.

8. TOLCHINSKY FINDING HIS GROOVE

After going through the ups and downs of his rookie season, Sergey Tolchinsky has found his offense on the upswing as of late. On the top line with Derek Ryan and Brock McGinn, Tolchinsky has put up three points (2g, 1a) in the last two games, his best stretch since beginning the season with five points in his first four games.

9. BACK ON TRACK

Saturday's win also saw the reemergence of other key offensive pieces for the Checkers. After being held off the score sheet in consecutive games for the first time this season, leading scorer Derek Ryan bounced back with a pair of helpers, pulling him into a tie for fourth in the AHL in scoring. It also saw defenseman Ryan Murphy get back into the swing of things. After starting off with six points in his first six games with the Checkers this season, Murphy was suspended for three games for clipping. Upon his return, the young blue liner was held scoreless for three games before lighting the lamp on the power play last night.