Texas Stars 24-10-2-3, 53 pts #2 Western Conference | at | Charlotte Checkers 17-18-0-1, 35 pts #11 Western Conference |
January 17th at 6:00 PM
Time Warner Cable Arena, Charlotte, NC
As the injury list mounts, Texas heads back to Charlotte to end the season series in North Carolina before the Checkers play a single game at the CPC.
Both clubs are on winning streaks at the moment. Charlotte's started with their win two weeks ago over the Stars. Two victories over the OKC Barons stretched the streak to three. The Stars are also on a three game streak, last losing to the Checkers 4-3. That game was the only time in the last ten games that Texas has failed to get a point. In fact, the Stars have collected both points in 8 of those ten, losing in the shootout to San Antonio on December 27th.
Two solid games in Charlotte for Texas would really help to springboard them into their longest homestand of the season coming up next week. Seven games, including three total against the divison leading Griffins and Marlies, will challenge the home winning streak that Texas has built over the last two months. The last time the Stars' lost at home was November 22nd. The last time they failed to collect a point was November 13th.
Last time these two teams met, Texas was down in both games at the end of the second period. In one, they were able to mount the comeback. In the second, they lost 4-3.
"Now we know what they're about and what kind of team they are," Justin Dowling said after Wednesday's game. "We know it'll be tough and a battle, especially the quick turnaround. We just have to be ready to work."
As to Charlotte, Dowling also pointed out that Zach Boychuk is back with the Checkers as of this week. He's 14-13-27 in just 29 GP this season for the Checkers. Last season against Texas, Boychuk had three goals and three assists in his six games against the Stars.
Coach Desjardins said on Wednesday that he is confident in Josh Robinson playing, if needed, but also that Jack Campbell is close. Brett Ritchie
Stars injury/call up report:
Nemeth, Glennie, Campbell, Ritchie (injury)
Petersen, Wathier (questionable)
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Twitter: @mikelappan (PR)
Twitter: @PaulBranecky
Made the trip to Charlotte for these two games. Here's hoping we come home with 4 points in the pocket. Go Stars!
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