Before the Checkers take the ice this season, we’re breaking down everything fans need to know with the Bojangles Game Preview!

THE MATCHUP

The Checkers are riding their newfound hot streak into a pivotal weekend matchup with Lehigh Valley as they look to find separation in the Atlantic Division standings.

THE STORYLINES

On A Roll

Fresh off what had been their worst stretch of the season, the Checkers have turned things around over the last handful of contests. Charlotte is entering the weekend with a four-game point streak (3-0-1-0) - their best run since a six-game point streak in mid-December and the longest active streak in the division.

They’ll be tested against a Phantoms squad that has wins in three of their last four games, with each victory coming beyond regulation.

Offense Comes Alive

A key part of Charlotte collecting wins as of late is a resurgence in the team’s offensive output. The Checkers have posted 15 goals across the last four games - hitting the four-goal mark in three of those contests.

The Checkers are now 22-1-1-0 when scoring at least three goals in a game, while going 2-19-4-0 when failing to reach that number.

Powering Up

After going 2-for-5 in their most recent outing - a win over Springfield - the Checkers have a power-play goal in six of their last eight contests. This weekend they’ll be facing a Lehigh Valley penalty kill that ranks near the bottom of the league.

On A Tear

Lucas Carlsson continues to be one of the league’s premier point-producing defensemen and is now riding the longest point streak by a Checker this season - clocking in at six games.

Gerry's Big Night

The last time the Checkers hit the ice, it was Gerry Mayhew helping drive them to victory. The veteran forward picked up three points in the win over Springfield and now has six different multi-point efforts this season.

THE ONES TO WATCH

Charlotte

  • Mackie Samoskevich - 4 points in last 4 games
  • Ryan McAllister - 3 points in last 3 games
  • Lucas Carlsson - 5 points in last 5 games

Lehigh Valley

  • Olle Lycksell - 6 points in last 5 games
  • Rhett Gardner - 2 points in last 2 games
  • Bobby Brink - 5 points in last 4 games

THE PROMOS

Saturday, Feb. 24 at 4 p.m. - Checkers vs. Lehigh Valley

Presented by Eastway Regional Recreation Center
  • Pickleball Night presented by Eastway Regional Recreation Center - game ticket and Volair "PRO" Model pickleball paddle available for $75 total. Click here to purchase
  • Glass seat offer - rare glass seat opportunity available while supplies last! Click here to purchase

Sunday, Feb. 25 at 1 p.m. - Checkers vs. Lehigh Valley

Presented by Fairfield Inn and Suites

THE INFO

Puck drops tonight at 4 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. If you can't make it to the Coliseum for some reason, you can listen to the game for free on the Checkers app or watch on AHLTV.