Photo Credit: Our very own Samantha Wismer
The Lehigh Valley Phantoms opened the Calder Cup Playoffs last night, and it was a lot of firsts for some rookies, some rookies that have performed well all season long. They haven’t made the playoffs since the 2018 season, so some forget they would have to open up on the road for three games in the best of three series against the Charlotte Checkers. This is due to geographical distancing.
It appeared it was going to be a long night for the Phantoms as the checkers scored within the first five minutes of the game, but it was anything but. Adam Brooks quickly tied it at 1. There was a hit along the boards in the Phantoms zone, the Phantoms retrieved the puck for a turnover Olle Lycksell had his shot saved, but Brooks potted home the rebound. With that Lycksell gathered his first professional playoff point in North America with an assist on the goal.
Crazy things happened in the second for the Phantoms as it appeared they were playing chess as opposed to checkers. Tyson Foerster wasted no time just 49 seconds into the period, he scored his first professional playoff goal as he being drug down to one knee to make it 2-1. What a shot on the toe drag, as he was being pulled down.
“He’s got a great release. He’s a lot like Tipper where they can change the angle. He’s got a really good shot,” Scott Laughton said of Foerster’s shot a month ago.
just 13 seconds later, 13 seconds folks. Cooper Marody made it 3-1 Phantoms, and in the blink of an eye the Checkers were shaking their heads thinking what the heck is going on. But the great second period didn’t end there for the Phantoms. They kept the Checkers reeling as Foerster scored another beauty to make it 4-1 Phantoms. He just has an accurate shot, this time it was right off the face off that dribble through the the way he can change angles is very unlike many players.
The Checkers tried to come back cuz they got within one in the third period, but the Phantoms prevailed 4-3. It became a great crazy night for a pair of rookies in Foerster and Lycksell as they both finished their first playoff game with two points a piece: Foerster (2g), Lycksell (2a). Brooks also finished with a two point night with 1g,1a.
Some didn’t know what to expect with the Phantoms first playoff game in some time, but they prevailed like they have all season long given the excellent play from the rookies. Both Lycksell and Foerster has seen time the season with the Flyers, and that cannot be taken with a grain of salt. Hopefully they keep the momentum in their favor and perform a checkmate in the second game on Thursday night. Remember folks, this is a best of three series, so if the Phantoms win on Thursday they win the series.
Check out our Flyers Nitty Gritty Store
