Flyers Minor League Report: Phantoms Clinch Playoff Spot

(Kate Frese/SB Nation)

By Kevin Durso, Sports Talk Philly editor 

The Flyers still have some work to do before they are locked into the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Their AHL affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, have officially claimed their spot in the 2018 Calder Cup Playoffs.

The Phantoms suffered two losses to Providence this weekend. Friday’s loss in overtime, 5-4, coupled with a regulation loss by Bridgeport to Syracuse clinched a spot in the playoffs for Lehigh Valley.

The Phantoms fell to Providence again on Saturday night, 6-1, in Anthony Stolarz’s return to the AHL.

The Phantoms are in the stretch run of their regular season, which concludes at PPL Center on April 14. They have just eight games remaining, including a pair of home games this weekend against Providence and Belleville.

The magic number for the Phantoms to clinch the Atlantic Division is down to eight.

NCAA Tournament Update

Two Flyers prospects helped their schools reach the Frozen Four, college hockey’s version of the Final Four.

Tanner Laczynski and Ohio State advanced with two wins at PPL Center over the weekend. Laczynski scored a goal and added an assist in a 4-2 win over Princeton. Laczynski also had an assist in Ohio State’s 5-1 win over defending national champion Denver.

Brendan Warren and Michigan also advanced. Michigan scored a 3-2 win over Northeastern and advanced to the Frozen Four with a 6-3 win over Boston University. Warren scored a goal in Michigan’s win on Sunday against Boston University.

The Frozen Four begins on April 5. Ohio State will face Minnesota-Duluth. Michigan will face Notre Dame.