QUICK HITS
GOING STREAKING
With their two-game sweep of the Monsters over the weekend, the Checkers have now won four straight games. That stands as their longest such streak of the season, and a mark they have hit on three separate occasions. This run comes directly after a five-game losing streak that was the franchise’s longest since the 2016-17 season.They’ll look to keep that streak alive against a Penguins team that just snapped a five-game winless skid in their last outing, a decisive victory over Lehigh Valley on New Year’s Eve.
ROSTER SHUFFLING
The Checkers have gone through a slew of transactions over the last month, and that has continued over the last week. They’ll be without Givani Smith - as the newest skater in the organization has been recalled by Florida - but the Checkers will have a pair of reinforcements up front for this upcoming series. Fresh off his NHL debut, Anton Levtchi was assigned to Charlotte just after the Checkers last contest, while Chris Tierney has returned from injury and subsequently been sent to Charlotte.In Levtchi and Tierney, the Checkers once again have their third-ranked goal scorer and second-highest point producer, respectively.
AGAINST THE PENS
The Checkers and Penguins have faced off twice already in Charlotte - with the Checkers earning a shootout win before dropping the rematch. Grigori Denisenko and Lucas Carlsson led the Charlotte attack with a pair of points during that series, while former Checker Dustin Tokarski earned the Penguins standings points in both contests - the veteran netminder could be absent from this upcoming series, however, as he was recalled by Pittsburgh yesterday.Over the last five seasons, the Checkers are 7-1-0-0 in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
SHUTTING IT DOWN
The Checkers have locked up their opponents over this winning streak, surrendering just seven total goals over the four games and never allowing more than two in a single contest. Alex Lyon and Mack Guzda each have two starts and two wins during the run, with the latter making at least 28 saves in both of his starts.HOT HANDS
Several Checkers enter this two-game slate riding a wave of strong performances. Leading the way is Grigori Denisenko - who has five points in his last three games and three goals in his last two games - while Aleksi Heponiemi has rattled off a four-game point streak since returning from an NHL stint.Additionally, Justin Sourdif has three points in his last three games, Santtu Kinnunen has three points in his last four games and Anthony Bitetto is coming off a season-best two-assist performance.
COMING IN
CLT: 4-1-0-0 in last five gamesWBS: 1-3-0-1 in last five games
WHO TO WATCH
CLT
Grigori Denisenko - 12 points in last 12 gamesAleksi Heponiemi - 4 points in last 4 games
Chris Tierney - 12 points in last 12 games
WBS
Drake Caggiula - 6 points in last 7 gamesAlex Nylander - 10 points in last 9 games
Valtteri Puustinen - 5 points in last 4 games
TUNE IN
Tonight's game starts at 7:05 p.m in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. You can tune in to the broadcast with a subscription to the league’s streaming platform AHLTV(home team feed only).The radio broadcast will be available via the Checkers app on iPhone or Android.
Additionally, our friends over at Ed's Tavern on 2200 Park Road are going to be showing the game on their TVs!
