Phantoms overtake Binghamton in AHL East Division playoff race

 PHILADELPHIA, PA – The Philadelphia Phantoms are on a surge, thanks to a six game winning streak, and are now in a position to claim the final

playoff spot in the East Division of the American Hockey League. Buoyed by the win streak, Philadelphia has lep frogged the Binghamtom Senators to claim the fourth and final playoff spot. With only three games remaining in the regular season, the Phantoms will look to add to their win streak with a game against the Albany River Rats in Albany on Wednesday, April 8; and a home and home series with their arch rivals, the Hershey Bears, on Friday and Sunday. While it is not set in stone, the Bears could become the Phantoms firstround playoff opponent. Ironically, before the Phantoms became the full time affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers, the Hershey Bears were the full time affiliate of the Flyers. The Friday night game marks the final regular season game ever to be played in the Wachovia Spectrum. The Phantoms have been sold to a group in the Pittsburgh area, and the building is slated for demolition around new years eve. The regular season concludes in Hershey with the Friday contest. NOTES – The Philadelphia Flyers recently signed former first round draft pick, James van Riemsdyk to a pro contract. Van Riemsdyk was recently assigned to the Phantoms on a tryout contract. Van Riemsdyk, a University of New Hampshire product, and a 2007 first round draft pick (second overall), had decided to stay in school the pat two seasons and only recently agreed to turning pro after UNH was eliminated from college hockey’s Frozen Four tournament. Contact the author at Kevin.Neibauer@prohockeynews.com
Contact the photographer at Brian.Mechling@prohockeynews.com