Weekly Report: Inside Phantoms Hockey (3/2/21)

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ALLENTOWN, Pa. - The Lehigh Valley Phantoms (4-1-2) continue their busy game schedule in March as they're in the midst of seven games in 15 days.

Last Week

Wednesday, February 24th, Lehigh Valley - 5 at Binghamton - 4 (OT)Wednesday's Game Story: https://insideahlhockey.com/article/game-story-lehigh-valley-5-at-binghamton-4-ot-22421

The Phantoms jumped out to an early lead, but were later forced to come from behind on their way to another overtime victory Wednesday night against the Devils.

Max Willman continues to impress, and his strong week was just getting started. He tallied two more goals - including the OT winner - to make it four points (3G-1A) in his last four games. Pascal Laberge, Ryan Fitzgerald and Linus Sandin (1st career AHL goal) also scored in the win for the Phantoms, while Derrick Pouliot added two assists.

Tanner Laczynski (secondary assist on Willman's 1st period goal) and Egor Zamula (secondary assist on Fitzgerald's goal) each recorded their first points as pros.

Friday, February 26th, Lehigh Valley - 2 at W-B/Scranton - 4Friday's Game Story: https://insideahlhockey.com/article/game-story-lehigh-valley-2-at-w-bscranton-4-22621

The Phantoms were unable to complete another third period comeback, this time falling in regulation for the first time this season in a 4-2 loss at the hands of their in-state rival Penguins.

Zayde Wisdom tallied a goal on an incredible effort play in the second period, and Max Willman tallied a goal for the third straight game in the loss for the Phantoms.

Jon Lizotte and Felix Robert tallied a goal and an assist each to lead the Penguins' attack, who also got goals from Will Reilly and Jan Drozg.

Saturday, February 27th, W-B/Scranton - 5 at Lehigh Valley - 4 (OT)Saturday's Game Story: https://insideahlhockey.com/article/game-story-w-bscranton-5-at-lehigh-valley-4-ot22721

In a back-and-forth game that featured several lead changes, it was the Penguins (4-2-1) getting the last goal in a highly-entertaining 5-4 overtime decision over the Lehigh Valley Phantoms (4-1-2) Saturday night in the rematch between these two in-state rivals.

The offensive hot streaks continued for both Max Willman (two goals, goals in four straight games) and Zayde Wisdom (one goal, one assist). The two are in a three-way tie with Chicago's Seth Jarvis for the rookie goal scoring lead with six goals apiece.

Ryan Fitzgerald (one goal, one assist) got the Phantoms' power play on the board in the second period, and set up Wisdom for a power play tally in the final three minutes to force overtime.

Mason Millman (two assists) recorded his first points as a pro tonight.

This Week

Wednesday, March 3rd, Hershey (5-1-2) at Lehigh Valley (4-1-2), 7:15 p.m. ET

The Phantoms kick off March with a home and home series against their other in-state rival, the Hershey Bears. Lehigh Valley is 2-0 against the Bears this season, a pair of overtime wins at Giant Center in February.

Saturday, March 6th, Lehigh Valley at Hershey, 1:00 p.m. ET

The Phantoms have a rare Saturday 1 p.m. ET game at Giant Center, after what would otherwise be a rare Friday night off.

Monday, March 8th, Lehigh Valley at W-B/Scranton, 5:00 p.m. ET

Lehigh Valley looks to avenge a pair of losses to the Penguins last weekend with what appears to be the final time the Phantoms will play at 5 pm ET in Wilkes-Barre this season.

News and Notes

On Monday, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf announced several changes to the state's COVID regulations. Of importance to hockey and entertainment fans, the loosening of the current indoor gathering capacity from 5% to 15%.

"Revised limits allow for 15% of max occupancy, no matter the venue size."

In response to these new guidelines, the Phantoms announced they'll be welcoming fans back to PPL Center and unveiled their 'Back to Live, plans.

Phantoms' Back to Live comprehensive reopening plan includes:

Print-at-home & mobile ticket options + fans will have ability to scan their own tickets for contactless entry. Upgrades to point-of-sale systems featuring Tap N' Go pay options. Mobile concession ordering on its way.

PPL Center offers state-of-the-art HVAC system. Upgraded HVAC air filters to MERV 14 rating, equivalent to those used in hospitals & clean rooms.

Full list of the advancements/procedures can be found here: https://t.co/yCvPOMD8od

The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins are doing similar plans, and have moved the start time of several home games from 5pm ET to 7pm ET starts since they are now going to have fans at 15% capacity - including Friday, Mar 19 and Friday, Apr 16 games against the Phantoms.

Also on Monday, Phantoms forward Max Willman was named the CCM/AHL Player of the Week for the week ending February 28. Willman is in the midst of a four-game goal scoring streak, and tallied five goals in three games last week to take home POTW honors. You have to go back to 2016 for the last time a Lehigh Valley player was selected (Colin McDonald) for the weekly award.

The Phanroms' D-core had been riddled with injuries lately. Chris Bigras (lower body) had been out since Feb 10s game in Newark after taking an awkward fall in the neutral zone. Tyler Wotherspoon missed both games against the Penguins this past weekend with an undisclosed injury. And on Saturday, Logan Day exited halfway through the game and did not return after going down hard in the corner while retrieving a loose puck.

Those three injuries left the Phantoms with just five healthy defensemen to finish Saturday's game, four those five being first year players Linus Hogberg, Mason Millman, Wyatte Wylie and Egor Zamula.

Sam Morin was reassigned to the Phantoms this week, and InsideAHLHockey.com is hearing that Morin practiced with the Phantoms' defense this week. If one of the three injured defenseman are able to return, then Morin likely slots into the lineup Wednesday as forward. But it's looking like it's more than possible that Morin will line up on defense to start the week.

In Case You Missed It

The Phantoms might have been on the road to start the season, but we've still been busy obtaining exclusive 1-on-1 interviews and featuring several Flyers prospects, Phantoms players and storylines surrounding the team this month in addition to our regular game day coverage on Twitter (@TonyAndrock and @InsideAHLHockey).

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So for those who might have missed them, our recent Phantoms articles here at Inside AHL Hockey are linked below. In addition, the HUB to Inside AHL Hockey's coverage of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms can be found here: https://insideahlhockey.com/teams/lehigh-valley-phantoms

The biggest story of last week, unsurprisingly, came from our report adding fuel to the fire from national insiders mentioning Nashville's struggles and potential for change, and Philadelphia's need for defense. Nashville was scouting Saturday's Phantoms game, and it certainly stood out for many reasons. At the very least, the Predators are doing their homework for any potential future trade ahead of April 12th's NHL Trade Deadline. READ: REPORT: Flyers, Predators Preparing For Potential Trade?: https://insideahlhockey.com/article/report-flyers-predators-in-initial-stages-of-trade-talks-regarding-ekholm

[SUBSCRIBERS] Last week, Garrett Wilson went 1-on-1 with InsideAHLHockey.com explaining the stress of the offseason as a veteran free agent, his role among the leadership group with the Phantoms, his simple, straightforward style of play and more. READ: Phantoms' Wilson Determined to Lead by Example: https://insideahlhockey.com/article/phantoms-wilson-determined-to-lead-by-example

[SUBSCRIBERS] What Zayde Wisdom is doing as an 18-year-old rookie forward in the AHL is commendable. Through the opening month of the season, Wisdom leads the team in scoring with eight points (six goals, two assists) in seven games. READ: Wisdom's Confidence Growing With Every Shift: https://insideahlhockey.com/article/wisdoms-confidence-growing-with-every-shift

[SUBSCRIBERS] Our first Phantoms post-game extra story for our subscribers. Chock full of added insights/analysis from the Phantoms' most recent game, complete with thoughts from forwards Ryan Fitzgerald and Max Willman and a great analogy from head coach Scott Gordon coming from asking his four rookie defensemen 'Who's Tom Brady's favorite receiver?' **READ: Phantoms' Post-Game EXTRA! (2/27/21): https://insideahlhockey.com/article/phantoms-post-game-extra-22721