Phantoms beat Lake Erie in overtime, win Calder Cup Trophy
Sept 12, 2016 14:25:30 GMT -5
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Post by bjernagris (PHI) on Sept 12, 2016 14:25:30 GMT -5
June 14, 2018 - Lynn Worthy @lynnworthymcall
CLEVELAND, OH. – Marcus Foligno scored the game-winning 4-3 goal 15:11 into overtime to help Lehigh Valley Phantoms defeat Lake Erie Monsters tonight in game six of the Calder Cup Finals, thereby clinching the 2018 iCalder Cup in front of a packed Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
A combination of impressive play and margins on their side throughout the Finals helped the Phantoms win the Cup for the third time in franchise history and the first time since relocating to Lehigh Valley. The team won each of the final two games 4-3 in overtime, after having lost no less than four OT games earlier during the playoffs. Head Coach J.F. Houle commented to the press afterwards; "We didn't let [the earlier OT losses] get into our heads. We knew what we had to do, what it took to win. Filip (Rydström, captain), Cooper and Brendan (Marody and Guhle, assistant captains) did a great job in the locker room before OT. The air in there was electric. I am so proud of these boys, this team."
The Phantoms have been boosted by players from the Philadelphia Flyers – Phantoms NHL affiliate – after the Flyers’ early exit from the Stanley Cup playoffs in April. The demotions of no less than four regular Flyers players to the Phantoms undoubtedly helped pave the way for Phantoms success. Wingers Iiro Pakarinen (3+14 in 18 games), Andrej Nestrasil (7+11 in 22 games) and Marcus Foligno (8+2 in 18 games) all played big roles during the playoffs, particularly when top line winger Inti Pestoni went down with injury during the semifinals. Jack Campbell, normally the Flyers’ backup goaltender, took on the starting role and finished the playoffs with 15 wins and 6 losses. The decision by Flyers management to demote regular players was far from uncontroversial, and both demoted players and other teams’ GMs spoke out in disapproval when the demotions took place. Marcus Foligno was quoted; “I thought I was done with the minors years ago! I am not getting on a bus again, that’s for damn sure.” Luckily, the Phantoms have been able to utilize the Flyers chartered jet during most of the playoffs.
After the traditional cup lift with his team, young captain and center prospect Filip Rydström was awarded the Jack A. Butterfield Trophy for being the Most Valuable Player of the playoffs. The huge frame Swede scored 12 goals and had 17 assists for 29 points in 23 playoff games, including 1+7 in the series against Lake Erie. Rydström, 21, belongs to the Flyers organization and was drafted in 2016 (7th round, 195th overall) by the Edmonton Oilers out of QMJHL side Charlottetown Islanders. He was acquired by the Flyers shortly thereafter and spent his first senior season in the Finnish second league before signing an entry-level contract with Philadelphia and being reassigned to the Phantoms last summer. Rydström also won the AHL Rookie of the Year this season, and is believed to be one of the prospects closest to breaking into the Flyers lineup for next season. Flyers GM and Rydström’s countryman Björn Thelin, who attended the game live in Cleveland, comments: “We are obviously very happy with Filip’s development, and I believe he has a bright future with us. As for whether he will be in our lineup next season… Too early to say, guys. This is the time to celebrate, not to speculate. Let’s just enjoy the moment, we’ll think about next year later.”
The Phantoms D-line did not get the boost that their offense saw, but their top pair Brendan Guhle and Dillon Simpson ensured that no reinforcements were needed. They were both +19 during the playoffs and combined for 10 goals and 28 points during the Cup run. Late-season addition Frankie Vatrano was another big presence for the Phantoms during the playoffs, averaging 26:25 of ice time throughout the playoffs. He was ecstatic at the Cup win against his former team; "I have no words, this is just crazy. After this rollercoaster season, I am just so proud. Tired and proud." After being force-fed with champagne by defensive partner Kenny Johnson, he was asked whether he had been able to share some secrets about Lake Erie, where he spent two and a half seasons and started the current season before being traded by trade deadline earlier this year; "When the win is on the line, I don't think anyone would expect anything else." The offensive defenseman was awarded a 4-year contract extension by the Flyers earlier this spring and answered the call with 3 goals in the Finals, adding two helpers and all-around solid play on the blue line.
The young Phantoms team reportedly celebrated all night long in a local restaurant together with team management and some personnel from the Flyers management. Most of the team looks to remain intact for the coming season, with the majority of players tied to contract until at least 2019.