Game Preview: Checkers at Springfield (Nov. 15, 2017)

The last week of the Checkers’ road swing kicks off Wednesday morning with an early matchup in Springfield. Here are 7 things to know heading into the tilt.

1. SCOUTING SPRINGFIELD

It’s been a tough start for Springfield’s newest club, as the Thunderbirds currently occupy the cellar of the AHL standings. They have played 16 games so far this season, more than any other team in the league except for Grand Rapids, and are tied for the worst goal differential in the league.

The Thunderbirds find themselves ranked 25th overall in both goals for and against per game this season, the only team in the league slotted in the bottom five for both categories. Despite the rough numbers overall, Springfield does possess some weapons in its lineup. With Curtis Valk and his near point-per-game pace currently in the NHL with Florida, Alexandre Grenier sits as the team’s scoring leader with 13 points (3g, 10a) in 1 games. After making a successful jump from overseas to the NHL a year ago, Swiss forward Denis Malgin has shown a strong scoring touch with Springfield by notching eight points (3g, 5a) in as many games this season, while Anthony Greco, who played alongside Nick Schilkey at Ohio State, paces the club with six goals.

Between the pipes, Springfield has trotted out the duo of Hari Sateri and rookie Samuel Montembeault. The two netminders sport similar stats thus far this season, though Montembeault, a third-round pick from 2015, has accounted for two of the Thunderbirds’ four victories.

2. THUNDERBIRDS TAKING OFF?

Despite only having four wins this season, the Thunderbirds come into Charlotte on an upswing, having won each of their last two contests. Additionally, both victories have come against formidable opponents in Laval and Providence.

Overall this season Springfield is averaging 2.69 goals per game, but in the team’s four wins they are averaging 5.5, scoring at least four tallies in each victory. Every other game has seen the Thunderbirds score three or fewer goals, and each of those instances resulted in a loss.

3. KINNEAR'S RETURN

Today’s contest will be the first game in which the Checkers will face a former coach on the opposing bench. Geordie Kinnear served as Charlotte’s assistant coach for the franchise’s first six seasons in the AHL, manning the bench alongside Jeff Daniels from 2010-11 to 2014-15 and then Mark Morris for the 2015-16 campaign. After leaving the Checkers Kinnear got his first head coaching job with the Thunderbirds, where he is currently in his second season.

4. NED STAYS PERFECT

With another victory over Utica last Friday, Alex Nedeljkovic is sporting a perfect 7-0-0 record this season. Those seven wins are tied for second in the AHL, while the second-year pro’s goals-against average ranks 10th. Nedeljkovic is also one of only two goalies in the league with more than two starts who has yet to lose a game in regulation or overtime this season.

“He looks big, confident and doesn’t let anything rattle him when he’s out there,” said Checkers broadcaster Jason Shaya. “He told me in an interview this week that having Mike Vellucci as his coach this season has put his mind at ease because he knows he has a man behind the bench that trusts him. Clearly, that relationship is paying off for the Checkers.”

Nedeljkovic is the only Checkers goalie to start a season with seven consecutive wins for the team (Tom McCollum won his first six starts as a Checkers after winning his lone game with Stockton, putting him at 7-0-0 as well), while his seven-game winning streak is the longest in franchise history.

5. MILLER TIME

With a strong push recently, Andrew Miller has moved to within one point of the team scoring lead held by Lucas Wallmark, who has missed the last two games due to injury. The veteran forward has logged 14 points in as many games this season, tying him for 16th in the AHL, and has only been held off the scoresheet in three games, none of which came consecutively.

Miller, whose strong finish a season ago was a big part of the Checkers’ road to the playoffs, hasn’t missed a beat, logging 46 points in his last 48 games dating back to last season. Since Jan. 27 of last season, when he returned from injury, only two players have scored more in the regular season than Miller’s 46 points – Chris Bourque with 47 and Chris Terry with 51.

6. LIGHTING THE LAMP

The Checkers currently sit in a tie for the most goals scored this season in the AHL, even with a Laval Rocket team that has played one more game, and rank second in goals-per-game, trailing only the Penguins, who have played one fewer game.

Charlotte has recorded at least five goals in eight of its 14 games this season, including three of the team’s last five, and are a perfect 8-0-0 in those games. Additionally, the Checkers have scored three or more goals in 12 of 14 games this season, holding a 9-3-0 record in those instances.

While their offense has been prolific, the Checkers have only been averaging 29.07 shots per game, ranking them 21st in the AHL. The Checkers have been outshot in eight of their 14 games this season, but are a perfect 6-0-0 when outshooting their opponent.

7. GET THE APP

The Checkers app got a fresh new set of paint during the offseason but functions just the same. Follow along with scoring updates as well as play the Top Line interactive game in order to win exclusive prizes.

You will also be able to listen to the radio broadcast via the app or this link. Jason Shaya’s pregame show starts 15 minutes prior to puck drop, tune in and tweet Jason to let him know you’re listening.