The Phantoms went 1-0-1 last weekend which bring their record to 28-26-6-3, good enough for sixth place (and the final playoff spot) in the Atlantic. They’ve got nine games left and currently have a two point lead on Springfield for the final postseason seed.
Trending Up
Emil Andrae
Andrae had a goal and an assist this weekend, both coming at even strength. It was the first signs of life from Andrae on the score sheet in three weeks. Overall, the Swedish rookie defenseman’s season can be considered a success regardless, but stepping up and helping the team clinch a playoff spot with his offensive contributions will look much better on the resumé as he fights for an NHL gig next season.
Tanner Laczynski
Laczynksi had two assists on Friday. He did go pointless on Saturday, which ended his six-game point streak where he racked up an impressive 11 points. Considering all the recalls, Laczynkski is easily the Phantoms’ best forward at the moment and he’s doing his part to clinch a playoff spot.
Ethan Samson
Samson had a goal and assist over the weekend. It was his first goal since February and just his second of the season and just the second time this season he registered a point in back to back games. Samson has been slightly underwhelming during his rookie campaign, but this flash of offensive brilliance if much closer to what was expected of him after his impressive junior career. Will it keep up? His 10 points in 55 games suggest otherwise, but at least there’s still flashes of potential to indicate a better player dwelling within.
Sideways Trending
Samu Tuomaala
Tuomaala scored a goal on Saturday. It was his first goal in nearly a month and just his second in the last 21games. His late-season skid is an unfortunate way to end what was otherwise a decent season, but the Finnish rookie still has more developing left to do before he can earn his way into the NHL. He has 42 points in 63 games on the season.
Hunter McDonald
After leaving his AHL debut after a couple shifts and the original diagnosis looking bleak, McDonald returned to the lineup. He went pointless with a +4 rating in two games, but the fact he’s heathy is a positive and unexpected development.
Trending Down
Elliot Desnoyers
Everyone’s favorite weekly segment- how many games has it been since Elliot Desnoyers scored a goal? 36! He did have an assist on Saturday, which was his second assist in the last five games. And since that’s the nicest thing we can say about Desnoyers at the moment, it speaks to just how poorly this season has gone for the sophomore forward.
By: Dan Esche (@DanTheFlyeraFan)
brotherlypuck.com 