The first period was a largely even-matched affair, with both sides creating a handful of chances, but it was the Condors who broke the ice. Bakersfield captain Ryan Hamilton collected the puck in front and, with his back to the net, slid a backhander through the legs of Daniel Altshuller to put the home team in front in the final minute of the period.
It didn’t take as long for the second period scoring to get going, as Hamilton lit the lamp again just 32 seconds in to double the lead. The Condors would pile it on from there, taking advantage of another defensive lapse by the Checkers to build a 3-0 lead less than seven minutes into the middle frame. That three goal lead would prove to be all that the home team would need, as Laurent Brossoit took the reins from there. The netminder turned aside all 27 shots he faced on the night, earning his first shutout of the season and snagging the Condors a 3-0 victory.
The Checkers again struggled to build any offense, though they had plenty of chances. They were handed four man advantages on the night, including three in a span of under six minutes in the third period, but came up empty on all four opportunities.
In net for Charlotte was Daniel Altshuller, making his first start for the Checkers this season. The third-year pro made 26 saves in the game and looked solid for long stretches of play.
The Checkers’ California road trip rolls on tomorrow as they head to face the Ontario Reign for the first time this season.
