Propelling the Checkers’ offense as they have over the last week were the team’s hottest offensive weapons, Andrew Miller and Aleksi Saarela. Miller unloaded a quick wrister from straight ahead in the slot to give the Checkers an early lead in a dominant first, then found his Finnish linemate in the third to put the home squad back on top. For his fifth goal in five nights, Saarela ripped a cannon of a shot over the shoulder of Rampage netminder Spencer Martin and into the top corner to negate San Antonio’s equalizer from minutes before. The Checkers would tack on one more courtesy of a Haydn Fleury point blast and that would enough, securing the 3-1 victory.
Tom McCollum, the reigning AHL Goaltender of the Month, wasn’t tested often, only seeing 21 shots all night, but was solid between the pipes for his ninth victory of the season.
The win, coupled with Cleveland's overtime loss to Iowa, put the Checkers back in playoff position with six games remaining in their regular season.
QUOTES
Head Coach Ulf Samuelsson on his team’s performance:
“In the second period we made some poor decisions with the puck and we turned the puck over too many times. In the third we cleaned it up a little bit. We had a good chat between the second and third and I thought our third was much better.”
Samuelsson on Aleksi Saarela:
“He had some ups and downs during this game more than any other game, but you have to take the amount of games and the travel into consideration. He’s used to playing two games a week in Finland. You can see a little bit of a learning curve, but he is a hell of a player and we’ve really enjoyed watching it here.”
Samuelsson on his defensive corps:
“They’re solid and we don’t have to overload anyone with the fatigue factor, especially with this many games in the last couple of weeks. They’ve been really solid, all six.”
Samuelsson on the pressure of the playoff race:
“We’re playing well but every game is a tough game and a hard game. The pressure hasn’t really crept in too bad in our room. We’re talking about it and we’re aware of it. We’ve just got to play.”
Samuelsson on making roster decision:
“We looked at some players that had chemistry in the past. Our fourth line we’re still kind of tinkering with a little bit, but the other three lines we feel like we have people in the right place. That could change, but the fourth line we’re still working on.”
Saarela on joining the Checkers:
“It’s been great. The guys are professionals and it’s easy for me to come in at the end of the season. I like it here.”
Saarela on his offensive game:
“If I’ve got a good scoring chance I usually take a shot – I’m not looking for a pass. You’ve got to be smart and realize when it’s a good scoring chance and when you can make a good play for your linemates.”
Saarela on joining a team in the playoff hunt:
“I love it because in Finland we missed the playoffs, and playoffs is the best time of the year.”
