Checkers News

After nearly completing a late comeback against the Monsters two nights ago, the Checkers could not keep that momentum rolling and lost 5-1 in Sunday’s rematch.

Unlike the first matchup, the Checkers were unable to muster any sort of pressure during the first period, registering just seven shots in the frame, while the Monsters’ offense exploded. Lake Erie notched three goals in the opening period, including both a power-play and shorthanded strike.

Rough starts have been a trend for the Checkers this season. Today marked the ninth time this year that the Checkers have allowed three or more goals in the first period and the third time in the last seven games.

“We just weren’t sharp,” said head coach Jeff Daniels of his team’s start. “We looked tired, fatigued and were trying to play the game standing still. At least four of the five goals were major breakdowns. Three breakaways - we just weren’t good.”

“I feel like we just had a slow start,” said Dennis Robertson, who netted the lone goal for Charlotte. “I don't know if it's that it was an afternoon game, we've kind of had a tough track record with those, but to give up three goals like that in the first period, that's tough to come back from. No matter how well you play the next 40, you still didn't put our best foot forward the rest of the game, but we can't start like that and expect to win.”

Three of the Monsters’ goals came on odd-man rushes, including two shorthanded breakaway goals that were direct results of costly mistakes by the Checkers. A team like Lake Erie, which is desperately trying to grab the final playoff spot, is going to jump on those opportunities.

“Just not thinking,” said Daniels. “We’re not moving our legs and just playing straight-legged. That’s not going to work. We just didn’t have it. The wheels came off the bus today.”

Drew MacIntyre got the start for the Checkers and marked his 400th AHL game. After giving up five goals on 10 shots, he gave way for John Muse midway through the second. The veteran, who has bailed his team out on numerous occasions this season, did not have much in the way of support during his stint, getting hung out to dry several times due to defensive lapses. The team in front of him is well aware they have to give some help to their netminder.

“[He was] frustrated, and he should be,” said Daniels of MacIntyre. “Three breakaways and some major breakdowns. He was frustrated like the rest of the guys.”

“We need to do a better job out there working for him because he's a guy that brings it every night,” said Robertson. “He's a veteran presence and a leader in the room and we need to do a better job of following his lead and bringing that kind of effort because every week he's on the AHL highlights with another unbelievable save. We need more guys pulling like that. We need to do a better job of working hard for him.”

Aside from the three goals allowed, the eventful first period also saw the Checkers get slapped with 28 penalty minutes. The team buckled down and played more disciplined in the following periods, only taking one more minor the rest of the game, but the damage had been done. It was a important message that Daniels handed down to his team in the first intermission.

“We talked about it and about why we were in that situation,” said Daniels. “It goes back to not being engaged and wasting too much energy after the whistle. Whether it’s yelling at the ref or trying to get a guy after the whistle. We want to focus that energy into playing whistle to whistle.”

Today’s contest marked the end of a stretch that saw the Checkers play five games in nine days. They will enjoy some much-needed recuperation time this week as they prepare to host the Oklahoma City Barons on Thursday and Friday.

“We need to focus every day,” said Robertson. “We haven't had a ton of time to practice this month, we've had a ton of games. Now we have a bit more time to go to the rink and work on some stuff. We need to bring the focus every day to try to get better and make the best of this last three weeks.” With the rest of their schedule boasting three of the conference’s top five teams, the Checkers will need to shake off today’s result and get back on track if they want to finish strong.

We’ll talk to the leadership, but we also need our best players to be our best players out there,” said Daniels. “I didn’t think they had it going here today. We’ve been able to move on from games like this, and with this stretch coming up we’re going to be playing some of the top teams in the league. We just can’t afford an effort like that.”

NOTES

The Checkers finished the season series against Lake Erie with a 1-3-0 record, including losses in each of the last three. This was the only game decided by more than one goal … Three of the Checkers’ last four losses dating back to March 15 have been by four or more goals … The Checkers’ two shorthanded goals allowed tied their total from the previous 68 games of the season … With four points (3g, 1a) today, Monsters forward Andrew Agozzino extended his point streak to 11 games … Brody Sutter’s four-game point streak (5g, 2a) came to an end … MacIntyre played his 400th career AHL game and is just one away from tying Justin Pogge’s team record for most appearances in a single season (48) … Justin Shugg’s assist moved him into fifth all time in team history with 110 points, passing Jerome Samson … Forwards Alex Aleardi and Carter Sandlak, defenseman Austin Levi and goalie Rasmus Tirronen were healthy extras … Forward Greg Nemisz missed the game due to injury.