Game 28 Preview: Providence at Lehigh Valley

Photo: Nina Weiss/Highland Park Hockey

Phantoms Host Providence Before Holiday Break

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 & 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 channel for post-game interviews with AHL hockey players.

The Lehigh Valley Phantoms (18-7-1) look to remain perfect on their current six-game homestand when they host Atlantic Division foe Providence Bruins (13-6-4-3) at 7:05 ET. The PBruins are the hottest team in the AHL right now, entering tonight's game on a 13-game unbeaten streak (9-0-4).

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. 

By The Numbers

LV: 26 games played, 19-7-1-0 = 39 points
2nd Place Atlantic Division
Streak: 4-0-0-0
Last 10 Games: 7-3-0-0

PRO: 26 games played, 13-6-4-3 = 33 points
4th Place Atlantic Division
Streak: 9-0-2-2
Last 10 Games: 8-0-1-1

Special Teams

Power Play

LV - 31-for-131: 23.7% = 6th in AHL
PRO - 18-for-103: 17.5% = 15th in AHL

Penalty Kill

LV - 82-for-98: 83.7% = 9th in AHL
PRO - 85-for-102: 83.3% = 10th in AHL

Leading Scorers

LV: Jordan Weal (25GP, 10G-18A), T.J. Brennan (27GP, 10G-13A) and Greg Carey (27GP, 13G-8A)
PRO: Wayne Simpson (26GP, 8G-13A), Peter Cehlarik (20GP, 12G-5A) and Alex Grant (22GP, 6G-11A)

Expected Starting Goaltenders

LV: Alex Lyon (17GP. 12-5-1, 2.72 GAA, .909 SV%, 1 SO)
PRO: Malcolm Subban (12GP, 2-6-4, 2.92 GAA, .903 SV%, 0 SO)

Season Series

This is the third of six scheduled meetings between the Phantoms and Bruins this season. The Phantoms have won both of the previous meetings in Providence.

Season Series Schedule

Friday, November 4th: Lehigh Valley - 4 at Providence - 2
Friday, November 18th: Lehigh Valley - 4 at Providence - 3 (OT)

Saturday, December 17th: Providence at Lehigh Valley - 7:05 p.m. ET

Saturday, January 21st: Providence at Lehigh Valley - 7:05 p.m. ET

Sunday, March 5th: Lehigh Valley at Providence - 3:05 p.m. ET

Friday, April 14th: Providence at Lehigh Valley - 7:05 p.m. ET

Lehigh Valley Phantoms

Roster Notes 

Alex Lyon is expected to get the start in net tonight against Providence.

Mark Alt is skating at practice with the Phantoms in a red no-contact jersey. While he's not expected back until the end of the month, it's always a good sign to see a guy get back on the ice with the team after an extended absence. Alt's shoulder injury in the September 28th NHL preseason game against the New Jersey Devils required surgery and he hasn't played in a game yet this year.

Last night, Reece Willcox was the odd man out on defense and Max Lamarche re-entered the Phantoms' lineup on the blue line.

Scratches: Reece Willcox (healthy) and Radel Fazleev (healthy)

Expected Lines 

Cole Bardreau - Scott Laughton - Colin McDonald (C)

Danick Martel - Jordan Weal - Nicolas Aube-Kubel

Greg Carey - Andy Miele - Chris Conner

Steven Swavely - Corban Knight - Mark Zengerle

T.J. Brennan - Robert Hagg

Sam Morin - Travis Sanheim

Will O'Neill (A) - Max Lamarche

Alex Lyon - Martin Ouellette

Recent Transactions

12/11: ADD - F Steven Swavely returned from loan to Reading (ECHL)

12/11: ADD - D Max Lamarche returned from loan to Reading (ECHL)

12/11: DEL - F Kevin Sundher returned on loan to Reading (ECHL)

12/9: ADD - F Kevin Sundher returned from loan to Reading (ECHL)

12/9: DEL - D Max Lamarche returned on loan to Reading (ECHL)

12/9: DEL - F Steven Swavely returned on loan to Reading (ECHL)

12/5: ADD - C Scott Laughton loaned from Philadelphia (NHL)
12/5: DEL - F Taylor Leier recalled from loan by Philadelphia (NHL)