Ian Laperrière stated he didn’t believe in game-to-game momentum. The battle between the Lehigh Valley Phantoms (4-2-0) and the Hershey Bears (2-2-0) in the AHL Eastern Conference Division Semifinals reflects the close competition in the AHL Calder Cup Playoffs.
The Phantoms have another opportunity to advance to the Eastern Conference Division Finals. A loss to the Bears at the PPL Center allowed Hershey one more lifeline in this playoff series. Lehigh Valley must defeat the back-to-back champions on the road at the Giant Center.
Both teams won on the road in this series, dimming the significance that comes with home-ice advantage.
Team discipline goes a long way. The Phantoms allowed three powerplay goals in Game 4. A lack of discipline led to a long night on the penalty kill, which brought the series back to the Giant Center. Parker Gahagen, who was stellar in his appearances during the postseason, will not be available.
“Bad game management right from the get-go. I felt that we had a good start. Getting penalties killed the momentum. I know I talked about momentum doesn’t go from game to game, but it goes in the game. [We] came back, three-two, took another penalty, gave them [Hershey Bears] momentum. It’s all game management. We need to be smarter.” – Ian Laperrière; 5/9/2025
Speaking of special teams, the Bears are more efficient on the powerplay (4/24; 16.7%) and penalty kill (17/18; 94.4%). Lehigh Valley, on the powerplay (2/26; 7.7%) and penalty kill (28/33; 84.9%) during the postseason, should remain at even strength if they can help it. This series is chippy, to put it lightly. The Phantoms (+128) are the underdogs, per OddsChecker. One final beat to spoil a ‘three-peat’ sets the story.
When: 5/11/2025; 5:00pm/ET
Where: The Giant Center; Hershey, PA
Broadcast Info: FloHockey; Phantoms365 App
Eastern Conference Divisional Semifinals: 2-2
Lehigh Valley Phantoms
Cal Petersen (1-1-0; 4.2GAA, 85.7%SV) received a vote of confidence from Laperrière before Game 4. Petersen replaced Gahagen in Game 3, earning a win to put Lehigh Valley in a position to eliminate Hershey. Laperrière wasn’t worried about Petersen making his first start of this postseason in Game 4. The Phantoms limp into Game 5 without the goaltender who paved the path this postseason, and Petersen needs a clutch performance. Carson Bjarnason will back up Petersen.
“Cal’s [Petersen] our guy. I’m going back with him Sunday. There’s the breaking news. He’s our veteran guy. Carson’s [Bjarnason] great that he’s on the bench, learning what’s going on. He just came back, so it’s a good experience for him.” – Ian Laperrière; 5/9/2025
Jacob Gaucher (3G, 3A) and Anthony Richard (3G, 3A) were the yin and yang of the forward unit for Lehigh Valley in Game 4. Each put together a balanced approach to their point production in the postseason. Last time out, Gaucher added a goal and an assist. Unfortunately, Richard contributed to the undisciplined play, committing two minor penalties for high-sticking, and Chase Priskie scored on the powerplay.
Adam Ginning (+1; 3A) showcased how the Phantoms must approach the game on defense. He added an assist, remained out of the box, and throughout the postseason for Lehigh Valley, he’s been responsible in the defensive zone. Hunter McDonald (+5) committed three minor penalties (goaltender interference, roughing, interference) in Game 4, which didn’t help protect Petersen between the pipes.
Projected Lineup: Lehigh Valley Phantoms
#15 Olle Lycksell – #56 Jacob Gaucher – #74 Zayde Wisdom
#29 Nikita Grebenkin – #18 Rodrigo Ābols – #90 Anthony Richard
#17 Garrett Wilson – #77 Jett Luchanko – #21 Alex Bump
#43 Oscar Eklind – #91 Elliot Desnoyers – #54 Givani Smith
#19 Hunter McDonald – #7 Louie Belpedio
#6 Emil Andrae – #5 Ethan Samson
#37 Adam Ginning – #3 Helge Grans
#40 Cal Petersen
(#34 Carson Bjarnason)
Projected Lineup: Hershey Bears
#12 Alex Limoges – #29 Hendrix Lapierre – #18 Pierrick Dubé
#19 Mike Vecchione – #65 Garrett Roe – #11 Spencer Smallman
#63 Ivan Miroschnichenko – #39 Luke Philp – #44 Bogdan Trineyev
#45 Matt Strome – #24 Riley Sutter
#27 Aaron Ness – #6 Vincent Iorio
#2 Jake Massie – #22 Chase Priskie
#47 Jon McDonald – #7 Andrew Perrott
#77 Brad Hunt
#30 Hunter Shepard
(#31 Clay Stevenson)
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