Phantoms Focus: Flyers goalie prospect Carter Hart gets the nod in three-straight games

The Lehigh Valley Phantoms played in three games this past week against the Charlotte Checkers, Providence Bruins, and Springfield Thunderbirds. All three contests were filled with drama and featured young goalie prospect Carter Hart.

The Phantoms hosted the Checkers Wednesday night, defeating Charlotte in overtime by a score of 3 to 2. The team then took to the road to face the Providence Bruins. Lehigh Valley pulled off a miraculous comeback, beating the Bruins 5 to 4. Unfortunately, the Phantoms could not keep the winning going against Springfield on Saturday. Lehigh Valley lost another tightly-contested battle 3 to 2.

The Phantoms are currently 9-5-1-1 through 16 games.

Carter Hart

As mentioned before, Carter Hart received the start in all three games for the Phantoms this week. Wednesday’s outing was phenomenal as Hart stopped 35 of the 37 shots he faced. With a break between the game against Charlotte and the game against Providence, it made sense for Hart to also get the nod for Friday’s matchup. Unfortunately, Hart did not experience success similar to Wednesday. The young netminder only lasted 13 minutes, allowing three goals on eight shots. Saturday was much more promising as he fended off 24 of Springfield’s 27 shots. Though some will prematurely hit the panic button, Hart’s ups and downs are completely normal. That is why he is in the AHL and not the NHL.

Mikhail Vorobyev

For Mikail Vorobyev, the objective is simple. Make enough of an impact in Lehigh Valley to get him back with Philadelphia. Vorobyev took steps in the right direction this past week posting one goal and two assists. His best game of the week was Wednesday against Charlotte. He recorded one goal and one assist in the Phantoms overtime victory. Vorobyev now has six points in eight games.

Oh Misha you're so fine, you're so fine you blow my mind.

Hey Misha. pic.twitter.com/eHCViPcpyB

— Lehigh Valley Phantoms (@LVPhantoms) November 15, 2018

T.J. Brennan

Regarding offensive production, nobody on the Phantoms had a better week than T.J. Brennan. Not only did he pot the game-winning goal in overtime on Wednesday, but he also posted a good old “Gordie Howe Hat-Trick” on Saturday. Brennan finished the string of three games with two goals and two assists. The veteran now has 20 points in 16 games.

TJ Brennan ripped this beauty into the net to win the game for the #LVPhantoms in overtime tonight against the Checkers. pic.twitter.com/ObctK06jlY

— Lehigh Valley Phantoms (@LVPhantoms) November 15, 2018

Phil Varone

Brennan was not the only Phantom to post four points in these past three games. Phil Varone added two goals and two assists to his numbers as well. Ironically enough, he also has 20 points through 16 games for Lehigh Valley.