Knight knows his role with Phantoms well Written by: Tim Riday - Twitter
The 2016 offseason was a busy one for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
The goal was to bring in some impact veterans in an attempt to build some much-needed depth in the Philadelphia Flyers’ organization. What general manager Ron Hextall probably didn’t expect is that he immediately turned the Phantoms into what appears to be a serious contender in the AHL landscape.
A lot of the credit has to go to Lehigh Valley head coach Scott Gordon. After a few tough weeks in which he had to do some shuffling to the lineup, he's finally figured out how to get the most out of each of his newcomers.
On offense, Greg Carey, Mark Zengerle and Andy Miele are all performing at a high level. On defense, T.J. Brennan and Will O'Neill are also producing and stabilizing a young back end.
First-year professionals Radel Fazleev, Nicolas Aube-Kubel, Travis Sanheim and Reece Willcox are gaining more and more confidence with each passing game.
But there is one name that is flying under the radar. When we look back at the summer of 2016, the most underrated signing could prove to be Corban Knight.
Through 19 games, he's played (& played well) in just about every line/role/position on the Phantoms.
Phantoms Defeat Toronto 4-1 Written by: Tony Androckitis - Twitter/Facebook
Lehigh Valley Phantoms captain Colin McDonald said after Saturday night's loss to Hartford that good teams don't lose back-to-back games.
Tonight in Toronto, the Phantoms (13-5-1) pulled out a 4-1 win thanks to a trio of third period goals and a strong performance in net from Alex Lyon to bounce back into the win column in advance of a busy weekend set of three games in three nights.
Chris Conner gave Lehigh Valley a 1-0 lead in the first period on a power play tally. The Marlies battled back to tie the game at 1-1 on a power play goal of their own, but Lyon (25 saves - 26 shots) held Toronto's talented offensive guns, led by AHL leading scorer Brendan Leipsic, off the score sheet the rest of the night.
Danick Martel deflected Sam Morin's shot past Marlies netminder Antoine Bibeau early in the third period for the go-ahead and eventual game-winning goal. while Jordan Weal capitalized on a Marlies miscue behind their net to seal the deal on the Phantoms' win. Colin McDonald added an empty net goal to complete the 4-1 final score.
The Phantoms return home to prepare for a three-game weekend that features a home and home series with rival Hershey Friday and Saturday nights.
Phantoms Finish Season Series With Toronto Written by: Tony Androckitis, Twitter/Facebook
I'll have full coverage of tonight's Phantoms game against the Toronto Marlies. The puck drops at 7:00 p.m. ET, but make sure you're following along on Twitter -> @TonyAndrock & Facebook (be sure to like the Facebook page!) for all the latest updates and information.
Stay tuned here online after the game for a recap of the action. Don't forget to subscribe to Highland Park Hockey's YouTube channelfor post-game interviews with AHL hockey players.
The Lehigh Valley Phantoms' (12-5-1) aim to finish the month of November with a win over the Toronto Marlies (10-5-1-1).
While the Phantoms have been hot in November (10-2 in 12 games this month), Toronto has seemingly cooled off, with four of their five regulation losses coming in the last 10 games, but are on a two-game unbeaten in regulation streak entering their home matchup with the Phantoms tonight at the Ricoh Coliseum.
After the jump, a preview full of the latest news and notes to get you ready for tonight's game.
You can help keep me on the road covering the Lehigh Valley Phantoms this season by making a donation via GoFundMe or PayPal.
Written by: Tony Androckitis - Twitter/Facebook ALLENTOWN - With the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in the midst of a great run on the ice - winning 10 of their last 12 games - the absence of Andy Miele from the lineup might not have been as noticeable as first anticipated.
The Phantoms' forward left November 5th's game against Springfield after a freak accident in an awkward collision, and the upper body injury has caused him to miss the team's last nine games including Saturday's home loss against Hartford.
While Miele is expected to miss his 10th straight game Tuesday in Toronto when the Phantoms face the Marlies, there's good news on the horizon for Miele and potentially the Phantoms' power play - which went 0-for-7 in three games this week.
Miele expects to be able to return to the Phantoms' lineup on Friday at home against Hershey, a source close to the situation told Highland Park Hockey over the weekend.
ALLENTOWN - For just the second time this season - and second time this week - the Lehigh Valley Phantoms (12-5-1) were held to one goal on the score sheet.
While Wednesday's one-goal effort in Binghamton was enough to get two points, it wasn't enough tonight against a motivated Hartford team that entered the game with Lehigh Valley coming off a blown 3-1 lead in the third period the night prior.
Nicklas Jensen put Lehigh Valley in a 1-0 hole in the opening minute of the game, Matt Carey added to the deficit later in the first period and the WolfPack were able to accomplish what they were hoping for Friday night - protecting a two-goal lead in the third period.
It wasn't for a lack of effort or shots (Lehigh Valley finished with 31 shots on goal) that prevented the Phantoms from mounting a third period comeback. The quality of shots and scoring chances, in large part, weren't there for the home team.
Head coach Scott Gordon wanted it known in his post-game press conference that he's unhappy with his team's power play units. The Phantoms went 0-for-3 on the man advantage tonight, and 0-for-7 in their three games this week,
Full recap after the jump, complete with post-game reaction from head coach Scott Gordon, Colin McDonald and a video interview featuring Sam Morin.
Phantoms host Hartford - 7:05 p.m. ET Written by: Tony Androckitis, Twitter/Facebook
I'll have full coverage of tonight's Phantoms game against the Hartford WolfPack. The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. ET, but make sure you're following along on Twitter -> @TonyAndrock & Facebook (be sure to like the Facebook page!) for all the latest updates and information.
Stay tuned here online after the game for a recap of the action. Don't forget to subscribe to Highland Park Hockey's YouTube channelfor post-game interviews with AHL hockey players.
The Lehigh Valley Phantoms' (12-4-1) aim to finish the week with three straight wins when they host the Hartford WolfPack (5-10-3) Saturday night at the PPL Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET.
The Phantoms own the season series 2-0-1 with the WolfPack, but the road team has won all three contests this season.
After the jump, a preview full of the latest news and notes to get you ready for tonight's game.
You can help keep me on the road covering the Lehigh Valley Phantoms this season by making a donation via GoFundMe or PayPal.
The recent surge by the Lehigh Valley Phantoms (12-4-1) has moved them atop the Atlantic Division for the first time this season. They're the hottest team in the American Hockey League (AHL) right now, entering today's games with wins in 10 of their last 11.
Still, it's early in the 2016-17 season and nothing is set in stone in the Eastern Conference. For now, it appears that annual contenders Hershey, Toronto and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton are one step ahead of the rest and for the time being the Phantoms have entered themselves into the conversation among who's at the top of the Eastern Conference.
The Lehigh Valley Phantoms are back at it tonight at 7:05 p.m. ET at home against the Hartford Wolf Pack. We'll have full coverage of tonight's game on Highland Park Hockey, so stay tuned here and on Twitter -> @TonyAndrock.
After the jump, a look around the Atlantic Division as well as a look ahead to Saturday's games.
Taylor Leier mobbed by his teammates in third period after tallying a go-ahead goal. Photo: Nina Weiss/Highland Park Hockey
Phantoms Move Into First Place With Win Written by: Tony Androckitis - Twitter/Facebook ALLENTOWN - The Lehigh Valley Phantoms saw their eight-game winning streak end last Saturday in Bridgeport, but if this week is any indication the Philadelphia Flyers' AHL affiliate is gearing up for a similar streak.
In the second game of a home-and-home series with the Binghamton Senators, the Phantoms struck first and last in a sea-saw battle with the BSens in a 4-3 victory.
Jordan Weal tallied the game's opening goal and what turned out to be the game-winning with 4:05 left in the third, while Taylor Leier extended his points-scoring streak to five games with a crucial go-ahead goal early in the final frame.
The win tonight, combined with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton's overtime loss to Bridgeport, puts Lehigh Valley in first place in the Atlantic Division for the time being based on percentage points.
The Phantoms are back in action Saturday night at PPL Center against the Hartford WolfPack.
Post-game reaction from head coach Scott Gordon, Jordan Weal, Taylor Leier and a full recap of tonight's game after the jump.
There is a word becoming synonymous with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms: Depth.
They have it on offense, they have it on defense and they have it between the pipes. But when it comes to the prospects in the Philadelphia Flyers’ system, all eyes are still attentively fixated on the blue line.
How has Travis Sanheim looked so far in his first full season as a pro? Is Sam Morin NHL-ready? Will either player get a look with the Flyers this season?
Those are the questions fans are asking every week, with good reason. Even the rapid ascension of Shayne Gostisbehere and Ivan Provorov has done little to divert the spotlight on youngsters like Sanheim and Morin, both first-round draft picks.
The Flyers’ collection of talented and promising defenders is no longer the league’s best-kept secret. The kids are coming and prospect updates are at a high demand.
What the casual fan, however, might not be aware of is the developing chemistry between Morin and Sanheim. Phantoms head coach Scott Gordon has been using the duo in key situations and they’ve been up to the task.
“We’re coming together as a group,” Sanheim said last week. “We’re starting to communicate and understand where the other guys are gonna be. As a D partner, me and Sammy are starting to come together and understand how the other guy plays.”
Phantoms back at it tonight against Binghamton Written by: Tony Androckitis, Twitter/Facebook
I'll have full coverage of tonight's Phantoms game against the Binghamton Senators. The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. ET, but make sure you're following along on Twitter -> @TonyAndrock & Facebook (be sure to like the Facebook page!) for all the latest updates and information.
Stay tuned here online after the game for a recap of the action. Don't forget to subscribe to Highland Park Hockey's YouTube channelfor post-game interviews with AHL hockey players.
The Lehigh Valley Phantoms' (11-4-1) winning streak came to an end at eight straight games, but they're looking to start up another one and their second straight win against the Binghamton Senators (5-9-1) tonight at the PPL Center.
Before the holiday, the Phantoms were able to secure a 1-0 shutout win up in Binghamton behind Alex Lyon's first career professional shutout (28 saves). The two teams finish the home and home series at 7:05 p.m. ET.
After the jump, a full preview of everything you need to know in advance of tonight's game.
You can help keep me on the road covering the Lehigh Valley Phantoms this season by making a donation via GoFundMe or PayPal.
Phantoms fan Carter, 5, made the trip to Binghamton tonight sporting a festive Phantoms' sign. Photo: @dhuber08
Written by: Tony Androckitis - Twitter/ Facebook
The Lehigh Valley Phantoms (11-4-1) got back to their winning ways in Binghamton before the Thanksgiving holiday, leaning heavily on Alex Lyon in a 1-0 shutout win over the Senators Wednesday night.
The two teams entered the third period scoreless thanks to a goaltender's duel between Lyon and Andrew Hammond, but Phantoms' team captain Colin McDonald broke the scoreless tie with 10:39 left in the final frame to lift Lehigh Valley to the win.
McDonald was stopped on his initial shot, but fought through to get to his own rebound to give the Phantoms the game's first and deciding goal. Taylor Leier and Corban Knight recorded assists on what turned out to be the game-winning goal.
The real story coming out of tonight is that rookie goaltender Alex Lyon is settling in and getting into a groove. He has now won five of his last six starts, with tonight's win being his first career professional shutout (28 saves).
The Phantoms are back in action Friday night at home against Binghamton.
Written by: Tony Androckitis - Twitter/Facebook HIGHLAND PARK HOCKEY HQ - The Lehigh Valley Phantoms haven't fared well against the Bridgeport Sound Tigers so far this season, and the trend continued in a win streak-breaking 5-2 loss Saturday night at the Webster Bank Arena.
For the third straight time against the Phantoms, the Sound Tigers put five goals on the scoreboard and improved to 3-0 against Lehigh Valley in the season series, a series which they have out-scored the Phantoms 15-8.
The Phantoms (10-4-1) see their eight-game win streak snapped at eight games - their highest streak in over a decade as AHL affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers - but are 10-1-1 this season against teams not named Bridgeport. Luckily for Lehigh Valley, the Phantoms only face the Sound Tigers three more times the rest of the season.
Lehigh Valley is back in action on Thanksgiving Eve, finishing their stretch of 10 road games in 13 contests in Binghamton against the Senators. They also host the BSens next Friday.
The Phantoms haven't had much to celebrate against Bridgeport so far this season. Photo: Nina Weiss/Highland Park Hockey
Phantoms Finish Weekend In Bridgeport Written by: Tony Androckitis, Twitter/Facebook
I'll have full coverage of tonight's Phantoms game against the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. ET, but make sure you're following along on Twitter -> @TonyAndrock and Facebook (be sure to like the Facebook page!) for all the latest updates and information.
Stay tuned here online after the game for a recap of the action. Don't forget to subscribe to Highland Park Hockey's YouTube channelfor post-game interviews with AHL hockey players.
The Lehigh Valley Phantoms (10-3-1) are simply on a roll in November, entering tonight's contest in Bridgeport against the Sound Tigers (8-5-0) on an eight-game winning streak.
Last night in Providence, it took a miraculous 3rd period comeback for Lehigh Valley to extend the streak to eight. Despite not playing their best, the Phantoms were able to rally from a 3-1 third period deficit to not only force overtime but win the game in the extra session.
Bridgeport came up short in Wilkes-Barre last night against the Atlantic Division-leading Penguins, but the Sound Tigers are 2-0 against the Phantoms so far this season.
After the jump, a full preview of everything you need to know in advance of tonight's game.
You can help keep me on the road covering the Lehigh Valley Phantoms this season by making a donation via GoFundMe or PayPal.
Thrilling comebacks were the theme of Friday night's action, as the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, Utica Comets and St. John's IceCaps all overcame multi-goal deficits in Eastern Conference games last night.
The Lehigh Valley Phantoms are back at it tonight at 7:05 p.m. ET in Bridgeport against a Sound Tigers team that has given them trouble earlier this season. We'll have full coverage of tonight's game on Highland Park Hockey, so stay tuned here and on Twitter -> @TonyAndrock.
After the jump, a look around the Atlantic Division as well as a look ahead to Saturday's games.
Greg Carey currently leads the AHL with 10 goals and eight power play goals, Photo: Nina Weiss/Highland Park Hockey
Thrilling Come-From-Behind Win For Phantoms in Providence Written by: Tony Androckitis - Twitter/Facebook
The Lehigh Valley Phantoms (10-3-1) were certainly not at their best tonight in Providence, but what separates good teams from great teams is the ability to battle through games when things aren't going well.
Down 3-1 entering the third period, the Phantoms made a miraculous comeback effort - getting a pair of power play goals from Greg Carey and outshooting the PBruins 18-5 to force overtime.
Philadelphia Flyers' top prospects Travis Sanheim and Scott Laughton teamed up to extend the Phantoms' winning streak to eight games, with Sanheim getting a puck over to Laughton in the 3-on-3 extra session.
The Phantoms finish the weekend in Bridgeport with a 7:00 face-off against the Sound Tigers Saturday night. Quick recap after the jump.
Phantoms In Providence Tonight Written by: Tony Androckitis, Twitter/Facebook
I'll have full coverage of tonight's Phantoms game against the Providence Bruins. The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. ET, but make sure you're following along on Twitter -> @TonyAndrock and Facebook (be sure to like the Facebook page!) for all the latest updates and information.
Stay tuned here online after the game for a recap of the action. Don't forget to subscribe to Highland Park Hockey's YouTube channelfor post-game interviews with AHL hockey players.
The Lehigh Valley Phantoms (9-3-1) are nearing the end of a tough 13-game stretch with 10 of those 13 on the road, and face a struggling Providence Bruins squad (4-6-2-1) while riding a seven-game win streak of their own.
The Phantoms made some roster moves in recent days, sending forward Tyrell Goulbourne to the Reading Royals (ECHL) to get in some game action having not played since November 2nd while sitting as the Phantoms' healthy scratch at forward.
Jordan Weal was banged up Wednesday and did participate in the morning skate in Providence, but Lehigh Valley called up forward Steven Swavely from Reading as an insurance policy in case Weal can't give it a go tonight.
After the jump, a full preview of everything you need to know in advance of tonight's game.
You can help keep me on the road covering the Lehigh Valley Phantoms this season by making a donation via GoFundMe or PayPal.
Tyrell Goulbourne is heading to Reading to get some ice time. Photo: Nina Weiss/Highland Park Hockey
Written by: Tony Androckitis - Twitter/Facebook
The Lehigh Valley Phantoms left for Providence Thursday afternoon in advance of Friday night's game against the Bruins. While its uncertain if injured forwards Andy Miele and Jordan Weal made the trip, the bus likely left without forward Tyrell Goulbourne who was reassigned to the ECHL's Reading Royals today per American Hockey League transactions.
Goulbourne sat out as the Phantoms' 13th forward and healthy scratch in the team's previous six games, last appearing in Lehigh Valley's school day win in Hartford on November 2nd. On the season, Goulbourne is pointless in six games with nine penalty minutes and an even plus/minus rating.
The timing of Goulbourne's reassignment is interesting in that Scott Gordon all but ruled out Andy Miele and Robert Hagg for this weekend's games and Jordan Weal did not finish Wednesday night's 4-1 win over the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
Either Weal is ready to resume playing this weekend, Miele is returning to action this weekend or another corresponding move from Philadelphia or Reading will see the Phantoms add a body for this weekend's road trip in the Northeast.
With Goulbourne's demotion to Reading, the Phantoms roster currently has 13 forwards, seven defensemen and two goaltenders including the injured Hagg and Miele and the uncertainty of Weal's status moving forward.
Phantoms continue to rack up the wins in November. Photo: Nina Weiss/Highland Park Hockey
Phantoms Persistent In Win Over Penguins Written by: Tim Riday - Twitter ALLENTOWN - In hockey, there are nights where it looks like a goaltender is unbeatable.
You'll see it a few times a season. A goalie gets hot and steals a win or two.
But not even a goalie on the top of his game can slow down Lehigh Valley at this point.
The Phantoms (9-3-1) claimed their seventh consecutive victory with a decisive 4-1 victory over the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (10-3-1), one of the top teams in the AHL, at PPL Center on Wednesday evening.
Though initially difficult to crack, Pens goalie Tristan Jarry eventually fell victim to the Phantoms' enviable depth.
Corban Knight, Greg Carey and Taylor Leier all found the back of the net and T.J. Brennan iced the game with an empty-netter from Lehigh Valley's zone.
Alex Lyon, in the first game since No. 1 goalie Anthony Stolarz's call-up, was sound in net. He turned aside 30 shots and has now allowed just one goal in each of his last three starts.
During the seven-game win streak, the Phantoms have lit the lamp 32 times and have surrendered just 11 markers.
The Flyers/Penguins rivalry extends into the American Hockey League. Photo: Nina Weiss/Highland Park Hockey
Phantoms Renew Rivalry With Penguins Written by: Tony Androckitis, Twitter/Facebook
I'll have full coverage of tonight's Phantoms game against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins live from the PPL Center in downtown Allentown, Pa. The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. ET, but make sure you're following along on Twitter -> @TonyAndrock and Facebook (be sure to like the Facebook page!) for all the latest updates and information. Stay tuned here online after the game for a recap of the action. Don't forget to subscribe to Highland Park Hockey's YouTube channelfor post-game interviews with AHL hockey players.
It's a battle between the top two teams in the American Hockey League's Eastern Conference tonight. Yes, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms (8-3-1) host their bitter rival Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (10-2-1) tonight at 7:05 p.m. ET.
The Penguins were the first team in the AHL to 10 wins this season, rebounding from a 3-0 loss to Toronto on home ice Friday with back-to-back wins over Providence and Hartford in a three-game weekend of their own last time out.
After the jump, a full preview of everything you need to know in advance of tonight's game.
You can help keep me on the road covering the Lehigh Valley Phantoms this season by making a donation via GoFundMe or PayPal.
Alex Lyon put in two strong performances over the weekend. Photo: Nina Weiss/Highland Park Hockey
Goaltending Carousel Leaves Lyon Leading Lehigh Valley Written by: Tony Androckitis - Twitter/Facebook ALLENTOWN - What a difference a few days make.
Entering last weekend's games, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms had goaltender Anthony Stolarz looking for his fifth straight start and fourth straight win. Instead, head coach Scott Gordon turned to Alex Lyon in net Friday night in Utica against a struggling Comets team.
"When I looked at the schedule last week I wanted Alex to go back into the net into a situation that would be good for him," Gordon explained after Tuesday's practice, adding, "Having had some time off, to play a team like Utica that had some guys out of the lineup and not been able to get their game going yet."
The move by Gordon paid off in a major way. And little did the Phantoms' bench boss know then that it would be instrumental in building his confidence prior to Michal Neuvirth's injury in Philadelphia the next night.
Every once in a while, a late-round hockey prospect will slip through the cracks and develop into a key contributor for an NHL club.
In some extremely rare cases, that prospect will turn out to be a superstar.
Need an example? How about Pavel Datsyuk? The former Red Wing great went undrafted - somehow twice - before Detroit made him its 171st-overall pick at the 1998 NHL Draft.
That’s right. Datsyuk, a two-time Stanley Cup champion, three-time Selke Trophy winner as the league’s top defensive forward and four-time NHL All-Star, was a sixth-round choice.Unfathomable, right?
Nowadays, the chances of the Philadelphia Flyers - or any NHL team - finding a player of Datsyuk’s caliber that late in a draft are astronomical.
But - there is always a but - maybe, just maybe, the Flyers have unearthed a gem of their own in Radel Fazleev.
Alex Lyon will be taking over the net for the Phantoms. Photo: Nina Weiss/Highland Park Hockey
Phantoms Win Sixth Straight Game Written by: Tony Androckitis - Twitter/Facebook
The Lehigh Valley Phantoms made it six wins in a row with a gritty 3-1 road win in Hershey Sunday evening, improving to 8-3-1 on the young season.
Anthony Stolarz was held out of action due to Michal Nuevirth's lower body injury, but it didn't matter as Alex Lyon came in and played his best game as a pro - stopping all but one of the 36 shots he faced to pick up his second win of the weekend.
Chris Conner, Reece Willcox and Will O'Neill scored for the Phantoms, whose six game win-streak is the longest in Lehigh Valley Phantoms franchise history and the longest for a Philadelphia Flyers' AHL affiliate since the 2013-14 season when the team was the Adirondack Phantoms. Oddly enough, that win streak began in late October and ran into mid-November 2013.
Sunday's win sets up a battle of the top two teams in the Atlantic Division when the Phantoms welcome the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (10-2-1) to the PPL Center on Wednesday night for the first of 12 scheduled meetings between two bitter rivals in the state of Pennsylvania.
Stolarz officially recalled by Flyers Written by: Tony Androckitis - Twitter/Facebook
As the national anthem was being played in Hershey prior to Sunday evening's Phantoms' game, the Philadelphia Flyers announced that Michael Neuvirth will be out four to six weeks with a lower body injury.
Anthony Stolarz officially earned his first call up to the Philadelphia Flyers this season Monday morning, and it marks the 9th time in his third season at the pro level he's been called up. Unfortunately for Stolarz, he is still waiting to play in his first NHL game.
With the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in the American Hockey League (AHL) this season, Stolarz was getting into a good rhythm early on in their season - sporting a 6-2 record with a 2.39 goals-against average, a .927 save percentage and one shutout in eight appearances. Particularly strong in his last four outings, all wins, Stolarz had a 2.00 goals-against average to go along with a .938 save percentage.
Statement Win For Lehigh Valley Against Talented Toronto Written by: Tim Riday - Twitter ALLENTOWN - Remember when everyone was worried about Lehigh Valley's 2-3-1 start to the season?
Well, you can officially talk those concerned with the team off the ledge.
The Phantoms extended their winning streak to five games with an impressive 7-2 thrashing of the Toronto Marlies (8-3-1) at PPL Center on Saturday night.
Taylor Leier scored twice and had an assist, Scott Laughton collected three assists and Jordan Weal and Colin McDonald each notched a goal and an assist in the offensive outburst. Anthony Stolarz was sound in net, finishing with 22 saves on 24 shots.
Fourteen different Phantoms registered a point in the victory as the team improved to 7-3-1 in 2016-17.
Lehigh Valley will close out their weekend three-in-three in Hershey on Sunday evening.
Just as the Lehigh Valley Phantoms were set to take to the ice for their pregame warm-up skate prior to tonight's game against the Toronto Marlies, the organization announced they had made a move.
The Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday dealt winger Petr Straka to the New Jersey Devils for a conditional seventh-round pick in either 2017 or 2018. Straka served as a healthy scratch for all 10 of the Phantoms' games heading into Saturday night's tilt.
The 24-year-old, who signed a one-year extension this past summer, will report to the Devils' AHL affiliate, the Albany Devils, who will play the Phantoms at PPL Center on Jan. 7.
The move leaves Lehigh Valley with 14 forwards on the AHL roster.
Phantoms back home at PPL Center tonight. Photo: Nina Weiss/Highland Park Hockey
Phantoms Return Home To Host Toronto Written by: Tony Androckitis, Twitter/Facebook
I'll have full coverage of tonight's Phantoms game against the Toronto Marlies live from the PPL Center in downtown Allentown, PA. The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. ET, but make sure you're following along on Twitter -> @TonyAndrock and Facebook (be sure to like the Facebook page!) for all the latest updates and information. Stay tuned here online after the game for a recap of the action. Don't forget to subscribe to Highland Park Hockey's YouTube channelfor post-game interviews with AHL hockey players.
The Lehigh Valley Phantoms (6-3-1-0) enter tonight's game on a four-game winning streak following an impressive 4-1 win in Utica last night. They have a tough test in front of them, as the league's best Toronto Marlies (8-2-0-1) come to town following a 3-0 shutout of a tough Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins team last night in Wilkes-Barre.
After the jump, a full preview of everything you need to know in advance of tonight's game.
You can help keep me on the road covering the Lehigh Valley Phantoms this season by making a donation via GoFundMe or PayPal.
Another busy Friday night in the American Hockey League (AHL) saw all seven Atlantic Division teams in action against the seven teams from the North Division in cross-over matchups in the Eastern Conference.
The Lehigh Valley Phantoms are back at it tonight at 7:05 p.m. ET at home against the Toronto Marlies. We'll have full coverage of tonight's game on Highland Park Hockey, so stay tuned here and on Twitter -> @TonyAndrock.
After the jump, a look around the Atlantic Division as well as a look ahead to Saturday's games.
Phantoms Win Fourth Straight Game Written by: Tony Androckitis, Twitter/Facebook UTICA, NY - The Lehigh Valley Phantoms (6-3-1) got off to a great start on the three-game weekend, jumping out to a 4-0 lead and never looking back in a lopsided 4-1 win over the Utica Comets (2-8-1) Friday night at the Utica Memorial Auditorium. It marked the team's fourth straight win.
Corban Knight got the Phantoms off to a hot start 2:19 into the contest and his strong play continued in a second period that saw Lehigh Valley add three more goals - including Reece Willcox's shorthanded goal set up by Knight. Colin McDonald scored off a turnover and Nicolas Aube-Kubel scored on a nifty move on a penalty shot goal to pave the way for Lehigh Valley's offensive attack.
Lehigh Valley got into penalty trouble at the beginning of both the second and third periods, but were able to avoid danger behind a strong performance from the penalty killers and rookie goaltender Alex Lyon. Lyon picked up his first win of the season to improve to 1-1-1, stopping 26 of the 27 shots he faced. The Phantoms return home to host the Toronto Marlies Saturday night at the PPL Center in downtown Allentown, Pa.
Phantoms On The Road Again Written by: Tony Androckitis, Twitter/Facebook
I'll have full coverage of tonight's Phantoms game against the Utica Comets live from the Utica Memorial Auditorium in Utica, NY. The puck drops at 7:00 p.m. ET, but make sure you're following along on Twitter -> @TonyAndrock and Facebook (be sure to like the Facebook page!) for all the latest updates and information. Stay tuned here online after the game for a recap of the action. Don't forget to subscribe to Highland Park Hockey's YouTube channelfor post-game interviews with AHL hockey players.
The Lehigh Valley Phantoms (5-3-1) are back on the road tonight in Utica, New York to kick off a three-game weekend. They'll be looking for their fourth straight win after seemingly getting things back on track with three wins last week.
The Utica Comets (2-7-1) are off to a slow start this season, but have several talented players and highly touted up and coming prospects across all positions - including Jake Virtanen, who was reassigned by the Vancouver Canucks to get into some game action in Utica this weekend.
After the jump, a full preview of everything you need to know in advance of tonight's game.
You can help keep me on the road covering the Lehigh Valley Phantoms this season by making a donation via GoFundMe or PayPal.
The main focus of his two-game conditioning stint in the AHL was simple - get his legs under him with some solid ice time and also start to re-gain confidence in his game.
Laughton was limited in both games with the Phantoms last weekend, playing on the fourth line wing Friday night and centering a makeshift line Saturday night with Taylor Leier and Colin McDonald. Laughton was held off of the Phantoms' special teams units and it showed in the 2nd period of Saturday's Game - Laughton had but a few shifts the entire period.
"The first game was a little tough trying to get my legs under me," Laughton said of Friday night's game in Providence. "I felt better as the game went on [Saturday]. Felt better in the third for sure - that's kind of when I got going. But every period I felt better, so I'm just trying to move forward."
Laughton tallied two points (one goal, one assist) in two games with the Phantoms before being back up to the Flyers, scoring an empty net goal Friday night. He also had the primary assist on Colin McDonald's game-winning third period goal Saturday night in Allentown, playing on a line with McDonald and Taylor Leier.
"[Leier] set me up there in the third. Just a blocked shot and [McDonald] came in and scored," Laughton explained. "It was nice being on a line with [Leier] - we're really good buddies," he added. "We played all season together two years ago."
Laughton looked and felt more comfortable in Saturday's game against Springfield, particularly in the third period with the Phantoms trailing 4-2. After the game, he spoke about trying to get back to where he was last season with the Flyers.
"I think confidence is a big thing in this league and the next level, so just trying to get my confidence back," Laughton said after Saturday's game. "Playing in the middle of the ice where I'm comfortable was good to get back into the swing of things. It just felt good to get back in a game. I haven't played in a game in a really long time. I was itching to get back so it was nice to be back with these guys."
"Thriller" at the PPL Center Written by: Tony Androckitis - Twitter/Facebook
Allentown - With 10 minutes left in the third period, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms (5-3-1) found themselves down & out in a 4-2 deficit to the Springfield Thunderbirds in front of 7,920 fans at PPL Center for '80's Night'.
Lehigh Valley was being widely out-shot and out-chanced by the Thunderbirds, and it seemed like the Phantoms' were having trouble getting the puck up ice and into the offensive zone.
Then, the Phantoms offense erupted for four goals - the game-tying and game-winning goals coming 32 seconds apart - in a bigtime comeback win in regulation. As Greg Carey said post-game, two is a fluke and three is a streak.
The Phantoms finished the week a perfect 3-0 and look to keep it going next weekend with a 3-in-3 weekend beginning Friday in Utica.
First Home Game In Two Weeks For Phantoms Written by: Tony Androckitis, Twitter/Facebook I'll have full coverage of tonight's Phantoms game against the Springfield Thunderbirds. The puck drops at 7:05 a.m. ET, but make sure you're following along on Twitter -> @TonyAndrock and Facebook (be sure to like the Facebook page!) for all the latest updates and information. Stay tuned here online after the game for a recap of the action.Don't forget to subscribe to Highland Park Hockey's YouTube channelfor post-game interviews with AHL hockey players.
The Lehigh Valley Phantoms (4-3-1) return home with wins in their previous two games to not only conclude their season-high five game road trip with six out of a possible ten points, but get them back on track to playing the way they need to in order to be successful.
Jordan Weal enters tonight's game tied for second in the American Hockey League (AHL) in scoring with 12 points (three goals, nine assists) in eight games. In his last five contests, he's registered 10 points (three goals, seven assists).
The Thunderbirds have veteran goaltending and experienced skaters leading the way to their 5-2-1 start, and they're looking to avenge their season opening loss to the Phantoms back in Lehigh Valley
After the jump, a full preview of everything you need to know in advance of tonight's game.
You can help keep me on the road covering the Lehigh Valley Phantoms this season by making a donation via GoFundMe or PayPal.
All seven Atlantic Division teams were in action last night, with two head-to-head divisional match ups needing overtime to find winners.
The Lehigh Valley Phantoms are back at it tonight at 7:05 p.m. ET at home against the Springfield Falcons - their first home game in two weeks since the completion of their season-high five game road trip, which ended Friday night in a 4-2 win. We'll have full coverage of tonight's game on Highland Park Hockey, so stay tuned here and on Twitter -> @TonyAndrock.
After the jump, a look around the Atlantic Division as well as a look ahead to Saturday's games.
Jordan Weal is currently tied for 2nd in the AHL in scoring. Photo: Nina Weiss/Highland Park Hockey
Back-to-Back Road Wins Have Phantoms Over .500 Written by: Tony Androckitis - Twitter/Facebook
The Lehigh Valley Phantoms (4-3-1) finished their five-game road trip with back-to-back wins, including tonight's 4-2 win up in Providence. The Phantoms went 3-2 on their longest road trip of the season, and will take a roughly four and a half hour bus ride back to Allentown, Pa overnight in advance of their first home game in two weeks when they host the Springfield Thunderbirds Saturday night at the PPL Center.
Mark Zengerle, Nicolas Aube-Kubel and Greg Carey scored goals to give Lehigh Valley a 3-1 lead before Providence narrowed it to a one-goal game late in regulation. Scott Laughton, playing in a limited fourth line role in his first game this season, tallied an unassisted empty net goal in the final minute to seal the deal on the 4-2 win. Anthony Stolarz stopped 27 of the 29 shots he faced to improve to 4-2-0 on the season
Scott Laughton returns to the Phantoms' lineup tonight in Providence. Photo: Nina Weiss/Highland Park Hockey
Phantoms' Final Road Contest in Five-Game Trip Written by: Tony Androckitis, Twitter/Facebook I'll have full coverage of tonight's Phantoms game against the Providence Bruins. The puck drops at 7:05 a.m. ET, but make sure you're following along on Twitter -> @TonyAndrock and Facebook (be sure to like the Facebook page!) for all the latest updates and information. Stay tuned here online after the game for a recap of the action.
The Lehigh Valley Phantoms (3-3-1) finish their season-high five-game road trip tonight at the Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island against the Boston Bruins' AHL affiliate - the Providence Bruins.
Former Philadelphia Flyers forward Zac Rinaldo is expected to be in the PBruins' lineup tonight to face his former organization, but other than that it's a lot of new faces for Providence this season and it has shown early in the year as the PBruins enter tonight's game in last place in the Atlantic Division. Gone from last year's team are powerhouse scorers Alex Khokhlachev and Seth Griffith, among others.
The Phantoms will have a former Flyers forward of their own in the lineup tonight as the Flyers sent forward Scott Laughton on a conditioning loan to Lehigh Valley for this weekend's games. Expect him to be on the left wing with Jordan Weal's line tonight. That will certainly be a duo to keep an eye on if they are paired together on the ice.
After the jump, a full preview of everything you need to know in advance of tonight's game.
You can help keep me on the road covering the Lehigh Valley Phantoms this season by making a donation via GoFundMe or PayPal.
It almost pains me to not include Travis Konecny and Ivan Provorov in a prospect report.
I’ve had the pleasure of watching both players blossom into NHL-caliber players over the past year but they’ve made it to the big time. The national spotlight is on them.
In a way, it feels like they’ve graduated. Everyone can assess them on a nightly basis now. They’ve become too big to be included among the prospects. That’s not a bad thing but I’ll miss included them greatly.
Fortunately, however, the prospect pool within the Flyers’ organization is incredibly deep (crushed that metaphor). There are plenty of other youngsters to check up on.
So, let’s see how the prospects performed in October. Here we go!
Prospect of the Month Forward Oskar Lindblom - Sweden Brynäs IF (SHL)Acquired: 2014 fifth-round pick (138th overall) Season Stats: 14 GP, 5 G, 10 A, 2 PIMS, Plus-7, 27 shots Monthly Stats: 11 GP, 2 G, 8 A, 2 PIMS, Plus-5, 22 shots How old is Lindblom again? Oh, just 20? Well, he certainly doesn't play like it.
The Swedish winger is mature beyond his years on the ice. And he's finding great success in the SHL as a youngster, mostly because of his size, strength and speed.
Lindblom currently ranks second (!) in his entire league in scoring with 15 points and is leading Brynas' offensive charge in the early going.
What's impressed most is his smarts along the boards and his will to get to the middle of the ice and in the crease. He's making major strides and is looking like a guy who sure does want to fight for an NHL job next summer.
The Pittsburgh Penguins practically rebuilt their AHL squad,
the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, this past off-season. Many of the top
players from years past, such as Bryan Rust, Conor Sheary, and Scott Wilson,
are now contributing at the NHL level. Meanwhile, newer players such as Jake
Guentzel, Dominik Simon, and Oskar Sundqvist are expected to step up and fill
some of the void those veterans left. There have been some early bumps in the
road for the WBS Penguins, but they’ve been buoyed by fabulous goaltending from
Tristan Jarry, who has allowed only six goals through his first four games.
At the NCAA level, the Penguins are extremely well
represented. They have 11 college level prospects spread across five
conferences, many of whom are playing at a very high level. Several are in
their senior seasons, meaning they could be joining the Penguins organization
professionally by this upcoming spring. Among those set to graduate this spring
are forwards Blaine Byron and Troy Josephs, and defenseman Jeff Taylor.
After the jump, an update on some of the Pittsburgh Penguins prospects playing across the globe.
