CHARLOTTE (Interstat) — The Springfield Thunderbirds will visit the Charlotte Checkers on Saturday in a minor league hockey game between teams moving in opposite directions early this season. Charlotte enters 5-2 and has won four straight games, while Springfield is 2-5 and has lost five consecutive games. That streak includes two wins over Hartford and two over Springfield. The Checkers have won both meetings between the teams this season, including a 3-2 decision in the most recent matchup. Charlotte also earned a 2-1 overtime win at Springfield in the earlier meeting. Springfield’s most recent result was that 3-2 loss at Charlotte, while Charlotte’s most recent result was the same 3-2 win over Springfield. The Thunderbirds have dropped overtime and regulation decisions against Lehigh Valley during their skid, and they will be looking for a stronger defensive effort.

Springfield will look to Jakub Stancl for offense. Stancl had one goal and one assist with three shots on goal in his most recent game, a 3-2 loss to Lehigh Valley. He also recorded five shots on goal in a 6-3 loss to Lehigh Valley, one shot on goal in a 2-0 win at Providence and one shot on goal in a 3-2 win at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. He has recorded at least one shot on goal in each of those four appearances. His recent play has made him a focal point for the Thunderbirds as they try to generate more scoring against a Charlotte team that has started well. Springfield will need contributions throughout the lineup to keep pace with the Checkers.

Charlotte’s player to watch is Cooper Black. Black stopped 33 of 35 shots in a 4-2 win over Hartford in his most recent appearance. He made 27 saves in a 6-2 loss at Providence and stopped 30 of 32 shots in a 5-2 win at Hershey. Black’s recent workload and save totals have been significant for the Checkers, who will aim to maintain their strong start at home. Charlotte scored four goals in a home win over Hartford during its streak and will try to keep pressure on Springfield early.

Springfield’s schedule ahead includes home games against Providence and Hartford before a return meeting with Charlotte. Charlotte’s upcoming slate includes road games at Colorado and Iowa before returning home. The teams are scheduled to meet again in Springfield later in the season. The Thunderbirds will need to improve defensively and find consistency against a Checkers side that has controlled the recent head-to-head series.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a final score of Charlotte 4, Springfield 2. Interstat’s ELO system gives Charlotte a 65.8 percent probability to win.