It was a tugh end for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms with that 4-2 loss to the Hershey Bears in Game 5, a bitter rival, thus ending their season. They showed some real grit, especially taking that 2-1 series lead against the two-time defending champs.
Parker Gahagen’s injury in Game 3 was a gut punch—his 2.00 GAA and .929 save percentage in the playoffs were huge, and Cal Petersen just couldn’t fill those skates, giving up three goals on 17 shots in Game 5. Still, a solid season for Lehigh Valley, pushing a powerhouse like Hershey to the brink.
Ian Lappierre sticks with Petersen
Ian Lappierre opted to stick with Cal Peterson over Carson Bjarnason, potentially due to Bjarnason’s injury. Fir the record, Most were surprised Bjarnason was sent to the Phantoms initially, as he was banged up before being sent there, that should be noted.
Peterson, a seasoned goaltender, has played in the NHL (notably with the LA Kings and Philadelphia Flyers) and AHL, with a 2024-25 stint in the AHL’s Lehigh Valley Phantoms (4-2-1, 2.55 GAA, .912 SV% as of early November 2024). His experience makes him a reliable choice for a team needing stability in net, especially if a younger or less experienced goaltender like Carson Bjarnason is unavailable.
Bjarnason, a 19-year-old prospect drafted by the Flyers in 2023 (2nd round), has been playing for the WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings. An injury could align with common reasons for roster choices—teams often prioritize healthy, proven players over prospects who might be banged up or not fully ready for higher-level play.
If Bjarnason was indeed hurt, it would explain sticking with Peterson, who offers veteran reliability. Alternatively, Lappierre’s decision could stem from performance, experience, or tactical fit for the game(s) in question, as well. Lappierre likely chose Peterson for his experience and reliability, especially if Bjarnason was dealing with an injury, as mentioned. Bjarnason’s youth and potential injury status could have made Peterson the safer pick.
Anthony Richard, Hunter McDonald, and Jett Luchanko
Anthony Richard and Hunter McDonald stepped up big time for the Phantoms in Game 5 yesterday. Richard ripped a power-play goal from the left wing 2:08 into the third to make it 3-1, and McDonald followed with his first playoff goal at 14:03, cutting Hershey’s lead to 3-2. That sparked a late rally, but the Bears sealed it with an empty-netter for the 4-2 win.
Jett Luchanko’s showing plenty of promise at just 18. Scoring isn’t his game yet, but eight points in 15 games with the Phantoms, including five points in six playoff games, is solid for a kid bouncing between the OHL, AHL, and NHL this season. His speed, playmaking, and two-way game are already turning heads. He’s got time to develop, and he’ll be just fine.
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