ALLENTOWN, Pa. – As their fans dabbled in paint, the Phantoms showcased their power.
Lehigh Valley Phantoms fans painted the ice Tuesday night at the PPL Center in Allentown, leaving good luck messages for the team ahead of its first playoff game. (Check out the photos below!)
Hours later, Tyson Foerster scored twice in his postseason debut and the Phantoms skated to a 4-3 victory in Charlotte in Game 1 of their Atlantic Division first-round series.
The Phantoms can wrap up the best-of-three series with a win in Game 2 on Thursday.
Fans are invited to the PPL Center again Thursday night from 5:30 to 8 p.m. for another painting party, along with a watch party at Chickie’s and Pete’s.
If the Phantoms advance to a second-round series, they’ll host at least one playoff game in Allentown in a best-of-five format. Games 3 and 4 would be played at home (Game 4 only if necessary. Get tickets HERE).
AHL playoff teams compete for the coveted Calder Cup, but the Phantoms have not won the prize since moving to Allentown.
They previously won two Calder Cup titles (1998 and 2005) during their tenure in Philadelphia.
Atlantic Division First Round (best-of-3)A3-Charlotte Checkers vs. A6-Lehigh Valley PhantomsGame 1 – Tue., Apr. 18 – Lehigh Valley 4, Charlotte 3Game 2 – Thu., Apr. 20 – Lehigh Valley at Charlotte, 7 p.m.*Game 3 – Fri., Apr. 21 – Lehigh Valley at Charlotte, 7 p.m.*if necessary. All times Eastern