Nikita Alexandrovs OT netter ensures Thunderbirds leapfrog Checkers for third place

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Springfield Thunderbirds (36-23-2-5, 79 points) survived a roller-coaster game against the Charlotte Checkers (35-23-5-3, 78 points) and propelled themselves into sole possession of third place in the Atlantic Division with a heartstopping 6-5 overtime victory on Saturday night at Bojangles’ Coliseum. The first period proved to be one of the most chaotic 20-minute frames in recent memory, as the two clubs combined for more offensive output than the entire game on Friday. However, it took Springfield only 39 seconds to take the first lead of the night, as Martin Frk located a loose puck in his…