Many knew this type of move was coming, heading into the week-long All-Star break. The Flyers announced a trio of loans Wednesday morning, sending two forwards and a goalie back to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
This is a smart move. For the younger players, it gives them a chance to get back in the lineup for a potential three games between now and the Flyers next game. The Phantoms play the Providence Bruins twice, and the Hartford Wolfpack once in that span.
Connor Bunnaman
Bunnaman has been serviceable as a Flyer. In nine games, he has one goal and one assist. His ice time is anything but consistent, but averages out to 8:42 a night. With Lehigh Valley, Bunnaman has five points (4g, 1a) in 21 games. His (-19) is worst on the team, but understandable given the Phantoms sub-par play during the first half of the season.
Alex Lyon
Lyon has been his stellar-self in net for the Phantoms. He’s been splitting time with Jean-Francois Berube in net, but still posting good numbers. In 23 games played, Lyon has a record of 9-11-2. His save percentage is a .916 and his goals against average is 2.56. He’s played one game with the Flyers, allowing four goals on 40 shots against Montreal.
German Rubtsov
Rubtsov has had another tough year in terms of staying healthy. He missed a chunk of time with Lehigh Valley with an injury, but has still posted 12 points (2g, 10a) in 28 games with the Phantoms. While mildly successful with the Phantoms, his time with the Flyers has been interesting. He was on his second stint with the Flyers after an underwhelming first in early November. Rubtsov is averaging just under seven minutes per night with Philadelphia, not nearly enough time to showcase his talent.
Other News
To make room for Alex Lyon’s return, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms have returned goalie Felix Sandstrom to the Reading Royals. Sandstrom hasn’t quite lived up the hype this season, but has come on a bit as of late. Kirill Ustimenko seems to have taken control of Reading’s net over Sandstrom, but they still share it to an extent.
Mandatory Credit – Alex McIntyre
