Phantoms first to clinch from Atlantic

The Lehigh Valley Phantoms secured a spot in the 2018 Calder Cup Playoffs on Friday night.

The Phantoms became the first team out of the Atlantic Division to clinch a berth in the 16-team field when Bridgeport dropped a 4-1 decision in Syracuse.

Under head coach Scott Gordon, the Phantoms are heading to the playoffs for the second year in a row after missing out the previous seven seasons. Lehigh Valley has a 10-point lead atop the Atlantic as it vies for its first division title since 2004.

The AHL’s 2017-18 regular season ends Sunday, Apr. 15; for more information and daily updates on the Calder Cup Playoff races, check out the official AHL Playoff Primer.