The Philadelphia Flyers finally earned their first win of the season on Oct. 17 against the Ottawa Senators. Their AHL affiliate team, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, were also in a sore spot to start the season.
The Phantoms dropped their first three games, but have since turned their luck around, winning three straight. Lehigh Valley beat the Hartford Wolfpack 4-1 on Oct. 14, then beat the Springfield Thunderbirds on Oct. 16 and Oct. 17, in both halves of a back-to-back in Springfield.
Several players contributed to Lehigh Valley's success in these three games; it was a full team effort. However, there are certain players on the team who are worth highlighting over others.
Alex Bump
Alex Bump was so exceptional throughout these three games, and his offense was a prime reason why the Phantoms won. In these three games, Bump recorded six points, via five goals and one assist. He also recorded the game-winning goal in both games against Springfield. On Oct. 17, Bump scored the overtime winner to call the game.
There is no denying Bump was the prime offensive force that catapulted the Phantoms into their winning form. After the Phantoms' incredible performance in these three games, the Flyers called Bump up to the NHL level on Oct. 19. The Phantoms don't play again until Saturday, so it was smart of Philadelphia to get Bump some NHL-level ice time.
Jacob Gaucher
Jacob Gaucher was living in Bump's shadow in these three games, recording assists on three of Bump's five goals. Gaucher also scored a goal of his own, with Bump recording his sole assist in this three-game swing-off.
The pair make up part of the Phantoms' top six, and for good reason. The strength of their offensive power is strong. Gaucher was called up ahead of the game against the Avalanche as well. We'll see if he gets sent back down ahead of the Phantoms' Saturday game against the Syracuse Crunch, but with the Flyers' forwards facing injury, it is unclear at this point. Either way, Gaucher has the potential to continue making an impact on the Phantoms' offense whenever he returns.
David Goyette
Against the Thunderbirds, forward David Goyette scored his first goal of the 2026-27 season. The Thunderbirds were leading with a goal in the first period and a second three minutes into the middle frame. A little over a minute later, Goyette rocketed the puck into the net to put the Phantoms on the board.
Ahead of the season, the Flyers traded forward Devin Kaplan to the Seattle Kraken in exchange for Goyette. In four games with the Phantoms, Goyette already has two points. His former career-high in points was 18, recorded in the 2024-25 season.
Perhaps a change of scenery is already working out in Goyette's benefit. It's great to see him already score his first goal with the team. Let's see him carry that momentum on throughout the rest of the season.
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