Allentown, PA – The Charlotte Checkers are nearing the end of a lengthy road trip, set to conclude with a two-game series against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms this weekend. The matchups on March 6th and 7th at the PPL Center represent a crucial stretch for both teams as the American Hockey League regular season winds down. The Checkers, currently third in the Atlantic Division, are looking to solidify their playoff positioning, even as the Phantoms, fifth in the division, are battling to climb the standings.
Charlotte enters the series with a record of 31-18-5-0, having navigated a challenging three weeks away from home with a 4-2-2-0 record so far. Despite earning points in their last two games, the team hasn’t secured consecutive wins during this stretch. The Phantoms, meanwhile, hold a 24-24-2-3 record and are seeking to close the gap with the teams above them in the Atlantic Division.
The Matchup
The statistical landscape favors Charlotte heading into the weekend. The Checkers boast a strong offensive output, averaging 3.30 goals per game (9th in the AHL), while also maintaining a solid defensive record, allowing 2.78 goals against per game (8th in the AHL). Lehigh Valley, in contrast, averages 2.92 goals per game (21st) and concedes 3.26 (tied for 24th).
Special teams present another area of contrast. Charlotte’s power play operates at a 15.7% conversion rate (26th in the AHL), while their penalty kill is effective at 84.5% (tied for 5th). The Phantoms have an 18.4% power play (tied for 17th) but struggle on the penalty kill, allowing goals on 23.8% of opposing power plays (30th in the AHL).
Familiar Foes
The two teams have only met twice this season, both contests proving to be tightly contested. In their first encounter in Pennsylvania, the Checkers secured a dramatic overtime victory thanks to a goal from Nolan Foote after surrendering two late goals to force the extra period. The second game was a high-scoring affair, with Charlotte prevailing 8-5.
The dynamic between the two teams has shifted since their earlier matchups in January. On January 10th, both teams were closely matched in the standings, with the Checkers at 19-12-2-0 (40 points) and the Phantoms at 19-11-2-2 (42 points). Since then, Charlotte has gone 12-6-3-0, establishing a seven-point lead over the fourth-place Bears, while Lehigh Valley has struggled, posting a 5-13-0-1 record. The Checkers and Phantoms will face each other six more times in the final 18 games of the regular season, making these upcoming contests particularly significant.
Power Play Struggles and Key Players
The Checkers are currently experiencing a drought on the power play, having failed to convert on 19 consecutive opportunities over the last six games. They’ll aim to break this slump against a Phantoms team with one of the AHL’s least effective penalty kills. Conversely, Charlotte’s penalty kill unit has recently found success, effectively shutting down the Bears in their previous two matchups.
Several players are poised to build an impact this weekend. For the Checkers, Mitch Vande Sompel has recorded five points in his last five games, while Nate Smith has tallied eight points in his last six. MacKenzie Entwistle has also been productive, with three points in his last two games. On the Phantoms side, Christian Kyrou, Alex Bump, and Phil Tomasino have each registered six or more points in their last six games, presenting offensive threats for Charlotte to contain.
How to Watch and Listen
Fans can catch both games of the series via live stream on AHLTV on FloHockey. Click here to watch. Audio broadcasts will also be available through the Checkers App and online.
The Checkers will glance to finish their road trip strong and maintain their position in the Atlantic Division standings. The series against the Phantoms represents a key opportunity to gain valuable points and build momentum as the playoffs approach. The next scheduled game is March 6th at 7:05 PM at the PPL Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
Stay tuned to time.news for continued coverage of the Charlotte Checkers and the AHL season. Share your thoughts on the upcoming games in the comments below.
