Tyson Foerster is one of the driving forces that have helped Lehigh Valley return to the postseason for the first time since 2018. He led the team in points and had 11 points in the team’s final 10 games heading into the postseason. The Flyers 2020 first round pick has given the organization a lot to be excited about.
Not only has Foerster looked good with Lehigh Valley, he also looked the part of an NHL player with the Flyers during his eight game stint. He grabbed three goals and seven overall points during his audition in March. John Tortorella even needed to temper his excitement knowing that Foerster was going to go back to the AHL.
And that was a key factor for the organization. While they gave a few of their prospects a look at the NHL level, continuing to develop and help the Phantoms playoff push was more important.
The Phantoms were able to clinch one of the final spots in the Atlantic Division, though they couldn’t get home ice advantage. They’re in the midst of a three game series against the Charlotte Checkers. And unsurprisingly, Foerster played a large role in the opening game.
Tied at 1-1 heading into the second period, Foerster gave the Phantoms their first lead of the game just 49 seconds into the game. And the move he made before scoring was a thing of beauty.
Entering the offensive zone, Foerster pulled the puck close to his body and snapped it past Mack Guzda. He may have wiped out on the celebration but it’s the goal that counts.
49 seconds in!? We think yes.#LVvsCLT | Rally the Valley pic.twitter.com/4nIJJRGjLD
— Lehigh Valley Phantoms (@LVPhantoms) April 19, 2023
Cooper Marody, who is excited to be back with the Flyers’ AHL affiliate, scored to give the Phantoms a 3-1 lead just 13 seconds later. It was the fastest back to back goals the Phantoms have scored this season. But Foerster wasn’t done yet.
Off a faceoff win, Foerster carried the puck to the top of the dot and wristed one that would dribble through the legs of Guzda and into the net. They don’t ask how, they ask how many. That would end the night for the Checkers’ starting goaltender.
ARE YOU SEEING THIS?! 👀🔥#LVvsCLT | Rally the Valley pic.twitter.com/s9BUlsixVQ
— Lehigh Valley Phantoms (@LVPhantoms) April 19, 2023
Charlotte scored two goals in 38 seconds during a dominating third period where they at one point led 10-1 in shots. The Phantoms were able to hang on to take the 1-0 series lead despite being outshot 15-5 in the final period. They can also thank Sam Ersson for making one of his biggest saves on Mackie Samoskevich with three seconds remaining.
Foerster’s second goal turns out to be much needed as it was the game-winner. Lehigh Valley will have a chance to sweep the three-game series when these two teams meet again on Thursday. If Foerster has another performance like he did in this one, the Phantoms should be seeing the Providence Bruins in the second round.