The Providence Bruins are heading back to Charlotte-and if their recent form is any indication, they're arriving with some serious momentum. Sitting atop the Atlantic Division at 30-8-1-0, the P-Bruins return to Bojangles Coliseum for the first time since last year’s playoff showdown with the Checkers, where they clawed back from a 2-0 series deficit to force a decisive Game 5. That series ended in heartbreak for Providence, but this weekend offers a fresh opportunity-and a very different Bruins squad.
A Rematch with History
The last time Providence skated in Charlotte, it was postseason hockey at its most intense. The Bruins had their backs against the wall, but rallied for two gutsy wins on the road to force a winner-take-all Game 5.
That game ultimately slipped away after two late empty-netters sealed a 5-2 Checkers victory. Fast forward to now, and both teams are in the thick of another strong campaign.
Charlotte enters the weekend 24-12-3-0 and holding third place in the Atlantic, but Providence has been the class of the division so far.
Regular Season Edge to Providence
The Bruins already have two wins over the Checkers this season, both coming on home ice. Back in October and November, Providence rolled to 6-3 and 5-2 victories, respectively.
Those games were early, but they set the tone-and the Bruins haven’t slowed down since. They're riding a five-game winning streak and have won eight of their last ten.
Charlotte, to its credit, has points in seven straight and is 6-3-1 over its last ten, so this weekend’s back-to-back in North Carolina has all the makings of a tightly contested series.
Lysell Lighting It Up
Fabian Lysell is starting to find his stride-and when he’s on, he’s tough to contain. The Swedish winger was a key figure in all three of Providence’s wins last weekend, racking up two goals and an assist.
His overtime winner against Belleville on Friday showcased his knack for the big moment, and he followed that up with the opening goal in Sunday’s 4-3 OT victory against Toronto. With 14 goals and 20 assists through 35 games, Lysell’s offensive instincts continue to shine, especially in clutch situations-he’s now scored two of Providence’s seven overtime goals this season.
Poitras Making His Mark
Matthew Poitras is another young forward who's heating up. He came through in the clutch last weekend, scoring the game-tying goal late in the third against Belleville before adding a power-play tally and an assist in the win over Toronto. With eight goals and 16 assists through 39 games, Poitras is tied for the team lead in power-play goals (5), and he’s proving to be a reliable option when the P-Bruins need a spark.
Merkulov Climbing the All-Time Ranks
Georgii Merkulov continues to build his legacy in Providence. The Russian forward notched a goal and an assist in Sunday’s overtime win, including the primary helper on Jordan Harris’ game-winner.
That assist marked Merkulov’s 209th career point with the Bruins-just one shy of Andy Hilbert’s all-time franchise record of 210. With 14 goals and 16 assists in 37 games this season, Merkulov isn’t just producing-he’s etching his name into the team’s history books.
Team Breakdown: Providence Bruins
- Record: 30-8-1-0 (1st in Atlantic)
- Goals For: 131 | Goals Against: 82
- Power Play: 22.7% (27/119)
- Penalty Kill: 83.8% (18/111)
- Top Scorers: Goals: Riley Tufte (16) Assists & Points: Patrick Brown (27 assists, 41 points)
- Goaltending Leader: Michael DiPietro (1.76 GAA, .938 SV%, 17 wins)
Team Breakdown: Charlotte Checkers
- Record: 24-12-3-0 (3rd in Atlantic)
- Goals For: 134 | Goals Against: 110
- Power Play: 18.1% (23/127)
- Penalty Kill: 84.9% (23/152)
- Top Scorers: Goals: Skoog, Steves (15 each) Assists & Points: Devine (17 assists, 29 points)
- Goaltending Leader: Black (2.55 GAA, .900 SV%, 16 wins)
What’s Next
Providence kicks off a two-game set in Charlotte this weekend, with puck drop set for 4:00 p.m. on Saturday and a quick turnaround for a 1:00 p.m. matinee on Sunday. From there, the Bruins head to Bridgeport for a midweek clash with the Islanders before returning home to face the Hartford Wolf Pack. It’s a crucial stretch for a team that’s been rolling-and one that could further cement Providence’s place as the team to beat in the Atlantic.
The Bruins are playing with confidence, depth, and a sense of purpose. And as they return to the site of last season’s playoff heartbreak, they’re bringing with them a roster that looks ready to write a different story.