The Charlotte Checkers are set to conclude a three-game road trip Wednesday night with a matchup against the Hartford Wolf Pack. This will be the second meeting between the two teams this season, following a 4-1 Wolf Pack victory on October 29 at PeoplesBank Arena.
The Matchup
As of Wednesday, the Checkers hold a record of 24-12-3-0, placing them third in the Atlantic Division. The Wolf Pack are 16-19-4-1, currently seventh in the same division. Statistically, Charlotte boasts a 18.1% power play success rate and an 84.9% penalty kill rate, while Hartford’s rates are 17.1% and 80.3% respectively. Charlotte averages 3.44 goals per game while allowing 2.82, compared to Hartford’s 2.70 goals for and 3.33 against.
Road Success
The Checkers have demonstrated consistent performance both at home and on the road this season, achieving 12 wins in each location. They’ve secured seven wins in their last nine road games, and currently hold a 2-0 record on their current trip with victories in Lehigh Valley and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. This places them tied for the third-most road wins in the Eastern Conference.
New Faces, Immediate Impact
Recently assigned to Charlotte from the Florida Panthers, Jack Studnicka and Noah Gregor have quickly made their presence felt. Both players have registered three points – one goal and two assists – in their first two games with the Checkers. Gregor, returning to the AHL after four seasons, led the team with seven shots on goal in Saturday’s 5-2 win. Studnicka scored a power-play goal and added an assist in the same game.
Similarities to Last Season
The current Checkers team shares key characteristics with the successful 2024-25 squad: a top-10 offense, a top-10 defense, and a top-5 penalty kill. Despite losing five of their top six point producers from the previous season, Charlotte has maintained a competitive edge in the Atlantic Division, relying on contributions from across the lineup.
Players to Watch
For Charlotte, Jack Devine has 11 points in his last 7 games, Wilmer Skoog has 8 points in his last 6, and Nolan Foote has 18 points in his last 17. On the Hartford side, Trey Fix-Wolansky has 11 points in his last 11 games, Derrick Pouliot has 3 points in his last 3, and Brendan Brisson has 5 points in his last 4.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Charlotte’s record on the road this season?
The Checkers have a record of 12 wins and 2 losses on the road this season.
Who were the two players recently assigned to Charlotte from the Florida Panthers?
Jack Studnicka and Noah Gregor were both assigned to Charlotte from the Florida Panthers last week.
How does this year’s Checkers team compare to last year’s?
This year’s Checkers team currently embodies the same traits as last year’s successful squad – a top-10 offense, a top-10 defense, and a top-5 penalty kill.
As the Checkers prepare to face the Wolf Pack, what impact will the recent influx of talent from the Panthers have on their overall performance and playoff prospects?
