Sawchyn scores winner as Checkers edge Thunderbirds 3-2
Gracyn Sawchyn scored midway through the third period after Springfield had drawn level, giving Charlotte a 3-2 home win.
Gracyn Sawchyn scored at 9:50 of the third period Friday to give the Charlotte Checkers a 3-2 victory over the Springfield Thunderbirds at Bojangles Coliseum.
Springfield had tied the game at 2-2 through Simon Robertsson, who scored 33 seconds after Nate Smith put Charlotte ahead at 3:54 of the third. Sawchyn then collected a loose puck beside the left post and finished around Georgii Romanov for the winner.
Romanov made 17 saves in a scoreless first period. Michael Buchinger opened the scoring for Springfield at 2:22 of the second before Matvei Shuravin equalized at 8:31 with his first AHL goal.
The Thunderbirds managed 19 shots, including four in the third period. The defeat left Springfield at 2-3-1-1, while Charlotte improved to 5-2-0-0.
The teams meet again Saturday at Bojangles Coliseum, with the game beginning at 6 p.m.
