I went to Charlotte for the two games against the Marlies this weekend. The team was basically owned by the Marlies. Scores were close (4-1, 3-1) with some empty net goals, but it basically mirrored games in Raleigh. Checkers outshoot Toronto, but most are non-threatening. The speed of the play was not great. Only saw reall urgency in the third period of the Friday night game.
Saarela got hurt Friday (did not see it). No one really stood out, except maybe Potularski (who looks like a long term AHL scorer). Roy and Gauthier did nothing to standout. Zykov also was not noticeable. The D was fine in general, but Carrick has some Faulk 17-18 style brain cramps. Foegele did look decent on some kills (a couple short handed chances), but not really noticeable at even strength.
Toronto is good, and the checkers have lots of injuries, but the fact that the passion and will to win looked an awful lot like the Canes when they are off their game was the most depressing.
Tolchinsky was walking around in a cast.