Chicago defense shuts down Charlotte Checkers for 3-0 AHL victory

The Charlotte Checkers didn’t give up nine goals to Chicago on Sunday, but the Wolves still won the American Hockey League game 3-0.

After dropping a 9-5 decision Oct. 17 at Chicago, the Checkers kept this one close.

Magnus Paajarvi struck first for the Wolves, deflecting a wrist shot from the point into the back of the net early. Chicago extended its lead with a quick goal in the middle period before Paajarvi sealed things with his second of the game during the final minute of the second.

The Checkers were unable to produce any sort of spark. They were only able to register a season-low 21 shots on goal and never truly tested Chicago goaltender Pheonix Copley, who registered his first shutout of the season.

Drew MacIntyre again was tapped for the start and made some key stops to keep Charlotte within striking distance, finishing the night with 26 saves.

Three who mattered

Magnus Paajarvi: Netted two goals for Chicago.

Kyle Hagel: Earned his second fighting major of the season.

Drew MacIntyre: Has appeared in every game for the Checkers this season.

Worth mentioning

▪ The Checkers broke their streak of six straight games with a power-play goal, going 0-for-4.

▪ Sergey Tolchinsky led the team with four shots on goal.

▪ Drayson Bowman, who joined the team on a professional tryout last week, played his first game in a Charlotte sweater since 2013.

​​What’s next

The Checkers will continue their road trip Tuesday night at Rockford.

This story was originally published October 25, 2015 at 7:29 PM with the headline "Chicago defense shuts down Charlotte Checkers for 3-0 AHL victory."