Checkers Take Opener

Eklind Extends Goal Streak to Four

March 6, 2026

Lehigh Valley, PA – Oscar Eklind extended his goal streak to a career-best four games, but Charlotte used a three-unanswered goal surge across the second and third periods to skate away with a 5–3 victory on Friday night at PPL Center.

Cooper Marody (8th), Eklind (6th) and Jacob Gaucher (12th) tallied for Lehigh Valley while the Phantoms outshot Charlotte 36–21, but the visitors converted key chances and prevented a late comeback push.