Phantom power: Saturday notes

Providence roared back from a three-goal deficit, was dominating overtime… and naturally lost late in the first OT period on a Max Lamarche goal against Zane McIntyre. (Jordan Binnington started, gave up the first three and tried to fight a few people.)

So it’s Phantoms-Checkers in the second round, starting Friday, after the Phantoms’ first playoff series win since 2008, when they played in Philadelphia. It was the third-longest active streak without a playoff win in the AHL, trailing Bridgeport (2003) and Rochester (2005). Was looking last night: Of the teams with the 11 longest droughts coming into the playoffs (listed here on the annual explainer), eight missed the playoffs. Charlotte and the Phantoms won, while Rochester lost.

Two Game 5s to come: Toronto-Utica on Sunday at 4, Grand Rapids-Manitoba on Monday at 7.

The Big Club did not win the draft lottery and holds picks No. 11 and 12 in the June draft. Buffalo wins the right to select Rasmus Dahlin. Carolina got the second pick, and Montreal got the third.

Bill Ballou’s on- and off-ice wrap in Worcester. They are happy. They should be. (I did enjoy the line about making sure the numbers are sustainable, though.)

Anders Lee, Cam Atkinson and Tage Thompson are among those going to Worlds. They list Tage’s hometown now as Milford, but he’ll always be Orange’s own to us (even if he barely ever was).

Tip of cap to future AHL Hall of Famer Keith Aucoin, who’s retired.

And RIP, Alfie Evans.

Michael Fornabaio