During the season, Checkers broadcaster Jason Shaya checks in each week with his 10 Thoughts - a series of observations about the team and the hockey world in general.
1. Without question, Saturday night against Syracuse was Charlotte’s best game of the season. Until certain guys reach their potential each night, there will be fluctuations in production, but last Saturday was an indication of what happens when everyone’s on the same page and enthusiasm is high.
2. Congrats to Chase Priskie for his first AHL goal and adding three more assists to his stats. Another big step was taken by Chase on Saturday and it was an impressive display with and without puck.
3. The travel schedule for Charlotte is considered the toughest in the AHL outside of Manitoba. Players are not only exhausted from the games but also from constantly moving around the country on commercial flights and bus rides. I think one thing that was absolutely integral to the success of last year was managing energy expenditure. Science continues to show how rest is more vital to athletic performance and health than any other factor. That brings me to my next point.
4. Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan was recently asked about morning skates and their effectiveness – “We’re trying to manage workloads. I’ve always been a believer that it’s the most overrated practice in hockey. It’s like, why does the whole league have morning skates? It reminds me of why my mother cut the side of the hams off before she cooked them. I asked her, ‘Why do you cut the side of the hams off’? She said ‘I don’t know. Because that’s how my mother taught me.’ So I asked my grandmother. I said ‘Why do you cut the sides of the hams off before you put them in the oven?’ She said, ‘That was easy. I didn’t have a pan that was big enough.’ That’s my analogy of morning skates.”
5. Right before my first TV game, Mike Maniscalco took me aside and told me, “Less is more on TV.” It was an adjustment that changed my day for the better. He was helpful and he genuinely cared about my success on what was an extraordinarily stressful day for me. Mike is beloved because he’s the kind of guy that makes those around him feel better. The Canes broadcast need his presence and frankly, the team is 0-2 without him on TV. I truly believe Mike will return and the fans and team will give him a resounding welcome back. Get well soon, Mike.
6.There is absolutely nothing to worry about as it regards Alex Nedeljkovic’s start. Just remember: he didn’t get any full NHL exhibition games and there were zero AHL exhibition games available either. Goalies need to get into a rhythm and playing one game a week makes that difficult. He’s a consummate professional and he will be more than fine.
7. One of the best indicators of team success is the difference between goals scored and goals allowed. Right now Charlotte is pretty much even and the top four teams in the Atlantic are all on the positive side... except of course Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. They’re -4 right now.
8. Jamie McGinn signed a PTO with Charlotte and I believe he will make an immediate impact both on and off the ice. Someone said to me yesterday, “You can never have enough McGinns.” With over 600 NHL games played, the Checkers are excited about this addition. He could be ready to go by Friday night.
9. I’ve had the chance to call a few Haydn Fleury goals in my career. I’ve even been in net when he’s scored probably 100 times – although scoring on me isn’t really an accomplishment. Anyways, watching him score his first NHL goal in Anaheim was awesome. The excited looks on his teammates’ faces is a good indication of how he’s viewed by his team. Charlotte doesn’t win last season without him. He’s a great person and we are very happy for his success.
10. Lehigh Valley is considered one of the top teams in the division and Charlotte will have their hands full on Friday and Saturday. Pregame show on Friday begins at 6:45pm. Join us then.