After averaging six goals per game during their 7-0-1 run, Charlotte fell behind 2-0 through two periods and couldn’t solve Providence goalie Michael DiPietro until Brett Chorske converted on a short-handed breakaway midway through the third for the rookie’s fourth goal in as many games.
Any momentum gained from that breakthrough was short-lived, however: the Bruins scored twice in the next two minutes to extend their lead to a 4-1 margin that would prove to be the final score.
Special teams also played a role in this game, with Charlotte going 0-for-4 on the power play and Providence converting their only chance just 50 seconds after Chorske’s goal.
The Checkers fell to 0-3-0 against the Bruins this season, with the season series set to conclude Sunday in Charlotte.
QUOTES
Coach Geordie Kinnear on his team’s scoring chances
To be honest, I thought there were plenty of opportunities on the board. I’m not going to worry about the shot clock. Obviously if we play well we know what the shots look like, but you’re playing against a very good hockey team that is significantly the top team in the American Hockey League, them and Grand Rapids. They’re not going to give freebies and I thought their goalie was good, but there was plenty on the board there.
Kinnear about the game in general
I thought it was a tight hockey match. I know it will be 4-1, but it was a close hockey game and both teams had some chances. Obviously they scored the goals, so it looks like we didn’t have good coverage, but that’s going to happen in hockey. When I watch the game, I think the momentum will change if we score a big goal and then immediately give one up. Those are good lessons along the way. Whatever happened the previous shift, continue the shift because that is the most important thing.
Kinnear on the points streak coming to an end
The line is what it is. I’ve been thinking lately that we’ve moved the needle as a group and I thought some good hockey was played today. Not everyone was at their best and to beat the best you have to make sure you’re the ones maximizing your skill level and competing on levels and puck battles and all that kind of stuff. To be honest, I’m not that disappointed in the game, but I am clearly disappointed in the outcome. A good lesson for our group.
NOTES
The Checkers’ eight-game winning streak was their longest of the season. Prior to today, their last regular season loss was on January 9, which was also their most recent game in which fewer than three goals were scored… Charlotte has scored six shorthanded goals this season, with Chorske accounting for two of them… All-Star forward Jack Devine missed his second straight game due to injury.
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