Photo Credit: The Lehigh Valley Phantoms
The Lehigh Valley Phantoms were on fire, riding a three game winning streak, until they got beaten and battered by a great Hershey Bears team last weekend. Unfortunately, the Phantoms could not sustain the momentum from the prior weekend, as Hershey swept the weekend, winning both games.
Hershey won 5-4 in regulation on Saturday, with Alexis Gendron registering the game tying goal at four a piece. It was his sixth goal of the season, as Anthony Richard registered three assists in the loss. At least the Phantoms clawed back, and made it a game. Richard registered assists on both Zayde Wisdom’s and Jon-Randall Avon’s first goals of the season, then he assisted on the game tying goal by Gendron.
Game 2 (Hershey Bears)
Unfortunately, the Phantoms could not use the momentum from big goals by Jacob Gaucher and Helge Grans, as the Phantoms fell 3-2 in overtime. At least the Phantoms secured a big point in the loss.
The Phantoms tried roaring back, but they felt the loss of Samu Tuomaala in this tilt. Tuomaala was a healthy scratch for some odd reason, but Jon-Randall Avon registered an assist in the loss, while finishing the weekend with three points (One goal,Two assists).
Circling back to Tuomaala, this young man in Tuomaala models his game after David Pastrnak. Tuomaala said in a press conference at Developmental Camp that he has to improve one-on-one battles for the puck, and he wants to get stronger physically.
Adding muscle (Bigger and stronger) is usually the common theme of young prospects at his age of 21. They can be a bit raw, but fill out in a year to two years. Tuomaala loves to shoot the puck. He’s a shoot first player, not a playmaker.
The Flyers have had playmakers a plenty, especially with the man advantage, now they finally drafted a finisher. He possesses a quick wrist shot, and Tuomaala can quickly move his hands to change the angle on it. Tuomaala has an accurate shot, and it generates a ton of power. Don’t forget about his good slap shot and one-timer. This was a massive loss for the Phantoms, so it’s great to see them hang with a great team without the services of Tuomaala.
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