Here are 10 things to know about the match-up:
1. PLAYOFF PICTURE
Bakersfield's 5-2 loss to Ontario pushed them further behind Charlotte in the playoff race, while a win tonight would spring the Checkers over the idle Barracuda into the fourth playoff spot in the Pacific Division.2. AGAINST CHICAGO
Game Information
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Time8 p.m.
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PlaceChicago
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Watchwww.AHLLive.com
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Twitter@CheckersInGame
Season Series
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Oct. 17CHI 9, CHA 5
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Oct. 25CHI 3, CHA 0
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Jan. 22CHI 4, CHA 3 (SO)
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Jan. 23CHA 6, CHI 5
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Feb. 21CHI 3, CHA 2 (SO)
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March 8CHA 3, CHI 2 (SO)
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March 10CHA 3, CHI 1
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March 23at Chicago
Trevor Carrick has been extremely effective against the Wolves this season, racking up 11 points (3g, 8a) in seven games. Meanwhile on the other side, Danny Kristo, Pat Cannone and Jordan Schamltz all averaging at least a point per game against the Checkers, with Kristo leading the way with 12 points (4g, 8a) in seven contests.
3. AND OUT COME THE WOLVES
Following a pair of losses in Charlotte two weeks ago, the Wolves have gone 3-2-0 in their last five games. They remain below .500 and on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoffs, but those three recent wins have come against formidable opponents.Immediately after the loss in Charlotte, the Wolves topped the Milwaukee Admirals, who have been battling for first place in the Central Division, by a score of 4-2. Then this weekend, they swept a home-and-home series with the Rockford IceHogs, who sit near the top of the division standings.
4. LOCKDOWN
The bright spot for the Checkers last week was that they continued to stifle opposing offenses (for the most part, as the Admirals were able to hang six goals on them in Saturday’s rematch). They have held their opponents to one goal in regulation in three of their last four games, and have kept them to two or fewer in seven of their last 11 contests.5. MUSE'S RETURN
John Muse has played a big part in that defensive push, allowing two or fewer goals in seven of his nine appearances since rejoining the team at the trade deadline. Although he saw his winning streak come to an end at five, Muse has earned the Checkers a point in the standings in six of his last seven starts between the pipes.6. VANISHING OFFENSE
Team Statistics
Record |
32-26-7 | 28-29-8 |
Standings |
5th Central | 6th Central |
Goals/Game |
2.77 (20th) | 2.57 (28th) |
GA/Game |
2.98 (t-16th) | 3.00 (t-18th) |
Power Play |
19.9% (6th) | 14.8% (26th) |
Penalty Kill |
84.2% (12th) | 79.9% (25th) |
PIM/Game |
14.78 (17th) | 16.65 (26th) |