The Charlotte Checkers pulled out an overtime win to split its weekend back-to-back against the Toronto Marlies at Bojangles Coliseum.
On Saturday, the Marlies overcame a one-goal deficit, thanks to a shorthanded goal from Joseph Blandisi 3:07 into the third period and a power-play marker from Alex Steeves with 6:14 remaining to edge the Checkers by a 4-3 count. The goal was the second of the game for Steeves. Aidan McDonough scored twice for Charlotte, giving him nine goals on the season. Ryan McAllister scored the other goal for the Checkers. Kyle Criscuolo and Mike Benning each collected two assists and Justin Sourdif and Tobias Bjornfot also had helpers. Chris Driedger took the loss, finishing with 21 saves on 25 shots.
John Leonard’s goal 3:39 into overtime rescued the Checkers, who blew a two-goal third lead period by allowing Steeves to score twice in the final frame, on Sunday. Trevor Carrick, McAllister, Criscuolo and Wilmer Skoog scored power-play goals to put the Checkers up 4-2 before Steeves earned the visiting Marlies a point. In addition to his game-opening goal, Carrick finished with two assists. McDonough, Criscuolo, Leonard, McAllister, Sourdif, Benning and Matt Kiersted, who assisted on the game-winner, each had one helper apiece. Ken Appleby earned his third win of the season by making 22 saves.
Next up for the Checkers (7-2-1) is a road back-to-back against the Hartford Wolfpack (Friday) and Springfield Thunderbirds (Saturday).