Phantoms Move On to Atlantic Semifinals

The Lehigh Valley Phantoms, the Philadelphia Flyers’ AHL affiliate, advanced to the Atlantic semifinals in the Eastern Conference bracket of the Calder Cup Playoffs. Their 3-2 win over the Scranton Wilkes-Barre Penguins eliminated the Baby Pens, as the Phantoms swept the series.

Helge Grans scored the game-winner with just over two minutes remaining in the third period. Jett Luchanko continues to make progress in the AHL, as he has had his second two-assist game in as many playoff games. He leads all AHL players in points during the playoffs.

The Phantoms have been thrilling to watch. For the first time in a little while, their roster is full of players who could end up being legitimate contributors at the NHL level. They have the talent in Lehigh to make a run for the Calder Cup.

The Phantoms now await the result of the Providence Bruins vs. the Springfield Thunderbirds on Sunday to see where they are headed next. If Providence wins, the Phantoms stay in Pennsylvania as they would take on the back-to-back champion Hershey Bears. However, if Springfield wins, they would head to Charlotte, North Carolina, to take on the Checkers.

Read More: James: Things Are Finally Going Right for the Flyers

How Are the Top Prospects Performing for the Phantoms?

Jett Luchanko is playing just like the Flyers would have hoped. While he isn’t scoring goals, he has been an incredible playmaker, making highlight-reel assists. As previously mentioned, he leads all players in points during the AHL playoffs with his four assists.

Alex Bump has also been playing great hockey since coming to the organization. So far in the playoffs, Bump has two goals (both in game one). His two goals tie for the team lead in the playoffs.

Other Flyers prospects like Nikita Grebenkin and Emil Andrae (though Andrae is not really a prospect anymore) are playing well, too. Andrae has picked up two assists so far, with Grebenkin earning one.

Of course, Helge Grans, the hero from Friday’s game, is also playing much better this time around. With the recent announcement that Rasmus Ristolainen will be out for six months, extra eyes may be set on Grans as a possible fill-in until Ristolainen can return. Grans’ goal is his only point through two games.

Swing players like Jacob Gaucher, Olle Lycksell, Rodrigo Abols, and Anthony Richard are playing well, too. Richard has two goals and an assist for three points, while Lycksell has a goal and two assists. Gaucher has a goal and an assist for two points. Abols has a goal as well, benefiting from a great setup by Grebenkin.

The Phantoms’ run has been exciting to watch, which will continue into the second round of the Calder Cup Playoffs.

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