In a four-goal second period, Charlotte turned the tide and ended Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s (19-6-1-0) six-game winning streak.
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton opened the scoring when William Dufour found rope for the first time in the Black and Gold at 7:49 of the first period.
Charlotte turned the match in its favor in the second period, starting with Gracyn Sawchyn tying the score at 7:49.
A five-on-three power play and a broken stick by a Penguins penalty killer opened the door for Jack Devine to put the Checkers ahead, 2-1, at 11:14 of the second stanza. Robert Mastrosiome scored a second man advantage for Charlotte two and a half minutes later, extending his team’s lead to two.
The Penguins showed signs of life when Phil Tomasino banked in a drive from Chase Pietila at the 2:16 mark of the middle frame. Tomasino recorded a point for the eighth straight game, the longest point streak of his career and the longest point streak by a Penguin this season.
However, Charlotte restored its two-goal lead 100 seconds later after a Brian Pinho redirect.
Ryan McAllister scored in the opening minute of the third period to make the Checkers lead 5-2. Charlotte tied the game with 3:03 left on another Wilmer Skoog deflection.
Filip Larsson made 31 saves for the Penguins in his first start since Nov. 21. Cooper Black denied 30 shots in the win for the Checkers.
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s next game is a rematch with Charlotte on Tuesday, December 16. Game time between the Penguins and Checkers is scheduled for 3:05 p.m.
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