Game Preview: Checkers at San Antonio (Dec. 9, 2015)

The Checkers are looking to shake off their recent sweep at the hands of the Ontario Reign as they hit the road for a quick road trip through the state of Texas.

Here are 9 things to know about their match-up with San Antonio:

1. LINEUP SHUFFLE

The Checkers' forward lines could have a different look from last week when the puck drops tonight in San Antonio. Brock McGinn has been returned from Carolina, which should insert some instant offense for a Checkers team that is in desperate need of goals. Additionally, Jake Chelios took part in Tuesday's practice as a forward, as head coach Mark Morris said the move would give the team some flexability. Add to that the probable return of Rasmus Rissanen to the lineup and the Checkers will be have as full of a roster as they have had in several weeks.

2. LAST TIME

The last time these two clubs squared off was the Checkers' last road game. The Checkers shocked the Rampage by erasing a 3-0 deficit, notching three goals in the final seven minutes of regulation, including the game-winner with under two to play.

3. MURPHY MAKES IMPACT

Ryan Murphy has only been back with the Checkers for four games, but he has made his presence known. The blue liner has piled up four points in as many games this season, bringing his AHL total to 45 in 52 games.

4. SINKING OFFENSE

After starting the season with a bang, the Checkers' offensive attack has taken a nose dive as of late. Charlotte has scored one goal in regulation in four of its last five contests (though the one outlier is their seven-goal outburst against Iowa). After spending most of the season thus far ranked in the top 10 in the AHL in goals per game, the Checkers now find themselves in a freefall, currently tied for 14th.

The Checkers have been most lethal this season when they have been able to rack up the shots on goal. Nine of the team's 11 wins so far have come in games where the Checkers outshot their opponent, something they have only been able to do twice in their last six games (both wins over Iowa).

5. SURGING POWER PLAY

While their offense is trending in the wrong direction, the Checkers' power play has been very potent. They have racked up 20 power-play goals in 22 games this season and rank seventh in the AHL with a percentage of 20.8.

Derek Ryan has led the way with eight points on the man advantage, already more than halfway to Justin Shugg's team-leading 15 from a season ago.

6. RYAN ON A ROLL

Derek Ryan has not dissapointed in his first North American season. The former Swedish league MVP has 17 points in 22 games this season and leads the team in goals and points. While the team as a whole has struggled with consistency this season, the captain has been one player that they have leaned on game in and game out, and has not been held off the scoresheet in consecutive games this year.

7. PICKARD REELING

After earning a point in each of his first nine starts this season before being recalled to Colorado, Rampage netminder Calvin Pickard has lost each of his last two appearances, allowing four goals in each contest. He has started all six games since the Checkers last faced the Rampage, when they saw backup Spencer Martin

8. RAMPAGE SLUMPING

Despite finding themselves in second place in the Pacific Division, San Antonio has hit a bit of a rough patch. They have only won two of their last eight games and are winless in their last four home games.

9. SHOOTOUT SUCCESS

After a win over Iowa exactly one week ago, the Checkers improved to 4-0 this season in shootouts and have now won eight straight shootouts dating back to last season. A big part of that success has been the play of MacIntyre, who is a perfect 8-for-8 this season and has stopped 29 of 31 since joining the Checkers last season.