Charlotte clamped down on Chicago’s potent offense and grabbed an early lead in their Central Division semifinal series with a 4-0 win in Game 1 at Bojangles’ Coliseum on Thursday.

The Checkers, who finished the regular season on a 13-2-3-1 run to clinch a playoff spot on the final day, allowed only 20 shots on goal to an offense that tied for fourth in the AHL in scoring.

Tom McCollum, 12-2-4 during the regular season, earned the first shutout of his Calder Cup Playoff career. Lucas Wallmark had two goals and an assist to lead Charlotte’s offense, while Brendan Woods and Andrew Miller also scored.

Ville Husso stopped 23 of 26 shots in his AHL playoff debut for the Wolves, who had been shut out just once during the entire regular season (Jan. 21 vs. Milwaukee).

Central Division Semifinals – Series “E” (best-of-5)

C1-Chicago Wolves vs. C4-Charlotte Checkers

Game 1 – Thu., Apr. 20 – CHARLOTTE 4, Chicago 0

Game 2 – Fri., Apr. 21 – Chicago at Charlotte, 7:15

Game 3 – Sun., Apr. 23 – Charlotte at Chicago, 3:00

*Game 4 – Tue., Apr. 25 – Charlotte at Chicago, 8:00

*Game 5 – Wed., Apr. 26 – Charlotte at Chicago, 8:00

*if necessary… All times Eastern