The Lehigh Valley Phantoms, the AHL affiliate of the Flyers, are indeed riding high as of mid-November 2025, boasting an impressive 8-3-1 record after a gritty 3-2 home win over the Toronto Marlies on November 8. This victory extended their winning streak to four games—their longest of the season—and marked their best start through 12 games since the 2017-18 campaign.
Despite a flurry of roster moves, including NHL recalls and returns, the Phantoms have maintained their momentum in the Atlantic Division, where they sit among the top teams with 17 points.
Key to the Surge: Aleksei Kolosov’s Steady Presence
Aleksei Kolosov, the 23-year-old Belarusian goaltender, has been a cornerstone of the Phantoms’ recent success since being reassigned from the Flyers on November 7. In his return start against Toronto, Kolosov made 22 saves on 24 shots, including several clutch stops in a tense first period where the Marlies outshot Lehigh Valley 14-9. His poise helped the team weather an early 1-0 deficit before exploding for three second-period goals.
Kolosov’s performance underscored his growing reliability at the AHL level, where he’s posted a 2-1-0 record this season with a 2.50 GAA and .900 SV% across three appearances (prior to the Marlies game, he’d allowed just three goals in two starts). His NHL stint earlier in the season was brief, but promising: a 1.62 GAA and .929 SV% in two relief/spot starts for Philadelphia. Kolosov’s demotion aligns with Sam Ersson’s return from injured reserve, but it’s clearly benefited Lehigh Valley, providing stability amid a depleted lineup hit by injuries and call-ups (e.g., forward Carl Grundström was recalled the same day).
Backup Carson Bjarnason also offers depth, but Kolosov’s veteran-like command has been the difference in tight games.
Standout Performances Fueling the Streak
The Phantoms’ balanced attack has complemented Kolosov’s netminding:
- Devin Kaplan: The rookie forward tied the game 1-1 with a powerful slot shot just 1:33 into the second period, his third goal of the season.
- Lane Pederson: Sniped the go-ahead goal at 5:16 on a rebound, his fifth of the year, and added an empty-netter in a prior win.
- Alexis Gendron: Provided the insurance tally, capitalizing on the team’s season-high 17 shots in the middle frame.
Rookie defenseman Christian Kyrou, acquired in a trade from Dallas, has been a revelation with seven points (1G, 6A) in just four games, including two assists against Toronto. Meanwhile, 2024 first-rounder Denver Barkey erupted for four points (1G, 3A) in a 6-2 road win over Bridgeport on November 5, highlighting the team’s depth from prospects like Alex Bump and Anthony Richard.
Looking Ahead
With the win streak intact, the Phantoms return to PPL Center buzzing after a 15-day road-heavy stretch. Kolosov’s steadiness, timely scoring, and resilient defense—has them positioned for a deep playoff run. If this momentum holds, Lehigh Valley could pressure division rivals like the Hershey Bears. Keep an eye on Kolosov—he’s proving why the Flyers see him as a future asset.
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