The Lehigh Valley Phantoms took part in two games on home-ice this past weekend. Friday’s contest proved to be the better game of the two as the Phantoms bested the Hershey Bears 6-2. Unfortunately, Lehigh Valley found themselves on the opposite side of a shellacking on Saturday, falling to the Providence Bruins 6-3.
The Phantoms now sit in fifth place of the Atlantic Division with a record of 10-6-1-1.
German Rubtsov
Unfortunately, all of the on-ice happenings took a back seat to the news of rookie center, German Rubtsov, being out for the rest of the season due to injury. Rubtsov, who was in the midst of a fantastic start to the season, took a hit during a game in Providence on November 16th which led to a severe injury.
It’s an absolute shame to see this happen to a player like Rubtsov. After taking a backseat to some of the other prospects within the organization, his fast-start in Lehigh Valley brought some attention back his way. Through 14 games, Rubtsov recorded six goals and four assists for the Phantoms. Hopefully, he can have a successful recovery and continue his progression to the NHL next season.
Mikhail Vorobyev
With all of the mishappenings taking place in Philadelphia, there has been a lot of chatter surrounding Vorobyev and when he should get another chance with the Flyers. Since his demotion to Lehigh Valley, it was clear that the young center needed to demonstrate consistent production with the Phantoms for another call-up. Vorobyev took a step in the right direction Friday night against Hershey, recording a goal and an assist. He now has eight points in ten games for Lehigh Valley. Still, he may have to show a bit more to make it back to Philadelphia soon.
Greg Carey
Carey may not be a guy with a strong chance of receiving an NHL call-up; however, it’s hard to ignore the success he is having so far this season. The 28-year-old put together another strong effort this weekend, recording three goals and one assist in two games. Carey now has 22 points, tying him for third-best in the AHL.
That's ✌?for Greg Carey (@careygreg10) tonight! pic.twitter.com/UKnAUIQlCT
— Lehigh Valley Phantoms (@LVPhantoms) November 24, 2018
Nicolas Aube-Kubel
Much to the dismay of many fans, Nicolas Aube-Kubel was sent back down to the Phantoms this past week. The move by Ron Hextall was a head-scratcher, but that is the way it goes sometimes. A lot of attention will be on Aube-Kubel as he looks to make his way back on the Flyers roster. He recorded two points this weekend, a goal and an assist, and now has nine points in ten games with the Phantoms. I don’t see this stint in Lehigh Valley lasting long for Aube-Kubel as he was playing well in Philadelphia before his demotion.
Nic Au-BAE-Kubel ? pic.twitter.com/oya1SKFO9I
— Lehigh Valley Phantoms (@LVPhantoms) November 25, 2018
Carter Hart
It was another “Jekyll and Hyde” slate of games for the young netminder, Carter Hart. The 20-year-old put forth a solid outing on Friday against Hershey. He stopped all but two of the 31 shots thrown his direction and came away with a victory. Unfortunately, Hart could not play the same way Saturday against Providence. He let in six goals on 38 shots, making it challenging for his teammates to catch up to the Bruins. This inconsistency can be frustrating for both spectators and Hart himself. However, we must keep in mind that Hart is still in the very early stages of his professional hockey career. With goalie development, everyone must always remain patient.
Up Next for the Phantoms
The Phantoms will take to the road next weekend for a string of three games against Canadian teams. They will face Laval on Friday, Belleville on Saturday, and Toronto on Sunday.
Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
