Have AHL-TV, so watched a good bit of the game. Obviously a lot of back-and-forth. Some observations:
Necas is looking like he thinks he can control games and is keeping the puck on his stick more.
Gauthier is doing much the same. Last night was the first time I've seen Gauthier skate around with the puck. He did it several times and twice made passes that led to high-danger chances.
Saarela was having a game where it appeared he was "feeling it." In addition to the two goals he was making the defense and goalie's lives hard all night.
The other skater who stood out some was Lorentz. For a big player he moves well--more cutting than straight line speed. He also made several nice plays in the defensive zone.
Goalies: Ned actually started sharp but lost the game as the Checkers played sloppy in front of him. Booth made two amazing saves. Though he tends to move around, which some games is going to work less well.
Even down 4-1 the Checkers appeared to be the better team. They don't get the defeated look that other teams (maybe the one in Raleigh) often get playing from behind. Though I am skeptical that the success in Charlotte will translate as it hasn't really for any of the call-ups so far.