The Charlotte Checkers won Game 3 in overtime to take a 2-1 series lead over the number one seeded Chicago Wolves.
With the odds stacked against them, the Charlotte Checkers have given themselves a chance to upset top seed in the American Hockey League Western Conference. In a seesaw game in Chicago on Sunday, the Checkers emerged victorious in overtime thanks to a goal from Connor Brickley.
With the series tied at 1 in the best of 5 series, game 3 in Chicago was pivotal. The 8th seeded Checkers came out firing. They received early goals from Philip Samuelsson and Andrew Miller. The Wolves then bounced back and tied the game at 2.
A rebound goal from Checkers captain Patrick Brown gave the visitors the lead once more, but it was again neutralized before the end of regulation. In overtime, a scramble around the front of net ended with the puck on Brickley’s stick. He won the game for Charlotte and gave them a surprising 2-1 series lead over the favorites Chicago.
Carolina Hurricanes
The Checkers have a chance to close out the series in Game 4 on Tuesday in Chicago. For a team that was once at the bottom of AHL standings in winter to now have an opportunity to upset one of the American League’s best is incredible. It is indicative of a couple of things.
Firstly, it shows how good of a hire Ulf Samuelsson was by General Manager Ron Francis. When it first happened, most chalked it down as former teammates helping each other out, but its been better than that. Samuelsson has exhibited real leadership to keep his team’s belief strong. He is getting his payoff.
Secondly, it is proof that Carolina’s rebuild has yielded some talented and fearless young players. The best among them is center Lucas Wallmark. The Swede has registered a point in every game this series. He is tied for the league lead in playoff scoring, being highest scorer among AHL rookies. It looks very likely he will be on the Hurricanes full time in the fall.
Other Canes prospects are playing well too. Valentin Zykov hasn’t scored a goal this series, but has 2 assists and is a +5. After a rough first season of professional hockey, rookie defenseman Roland McKeown is having a great playoff. He too has 2 assists this series. Finally, Carolina’s 2016 2nd round pick Janne Kuokkanen made his AHL debut in Game 3 after finishing his season in the OHL.
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With nothing to lose, Charlotte’s group of young, talented players might just complete the first big upset of the AHL playoffs. If they can, it would be the first time since 2011 that the Checkers won a playoff series. Hopefully they can pull it off. Let’s Go Checkers!