Tyson Foerster Sparks Phantoms in Game 1 Playoff Win

The Lehigh Valley Phantoms, sparked by Tyson Foerster’s two goals, opened the Calder Cup playoffs with a 4-3 win Tuesday in Charlotte.

Game 2 in the best-of-three AHL series resumes Thursday, also in Charlotte.

Lehigh Valley, the Philadelphia Flyers’ top farm team, took a 4-1 lead into the third period. Midway through the third, Charlotte scored two goals within 38 seconds to cut the deficit to 4-3.

But goalie Sam Ersson (28 saves) stood tall the rest of the way, and the Phantoms survived.

Cooper Marody (goal, assist), Adam Brooks (goal, assist), and Olle Lycksell (two assists) also paced the Phantoms.

If this kid isn’t in Philly next season, I’d be shocked! https://t.co/NLFcs6ChLA

— Sam Carchidi (@BroadStBull) April 19, 2023

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The Phantoms took command with a 3-0 second-period domination. Foerster sandwiched his two goals around a tally by Marody.

Foerster, 21, scored 20 goals and collected a team-high 48 points in 66 regular-season games with the Phantoms this season. He was also impressive in eight games with the Flyers as he collected seven points, including three goals.

He is expected to be a Flyers regular next season. For now, he’s trying to help steer the Phantoms into the second round of the playoffs.

The Phantoms and Checkers each won four games against each other in the regular season. Charlotte finished third with 86 points, while the Phantoms finished sixth with 81 points.

If the Phantoms get past Charlotte, they would face first-place Providence in a best-of-five Round 2 series.

The Philadelphia Flyers, of course, missed the playoffs for the third straight season.

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