After some changes early last week, things are settling in nicely for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.

Kerry Huffman stepped in behind the bench in place of Scott Gordon, who was summoned to Philadelphia to replace former head coach Dave Hakstol, and the team didn’t miss a beat. The Phantoms got Huffman his first win in his opening game as the acting Phantoms coach with a 5-0 win over the Hershey Bears.

The win over Hershey may have been one of the more complete games that the team has played this season, with the team turning in impressive offensive and defensive performances to get the win. As it turns out, getting the victory for Huffman played a role in the team’s performance.

“Can’t say enough about that,” said goalie Alex Lyon about winning one for the coach. “Everybody in here really loves him. Just so excited for him for getting this opportunity, as well as Gordo moving up there [Philadelphia]. But it’s Huffer’s first coaching job so for him to get in here, and have this opportunity, we all want to do everything we can to make sure it’s successful for him.”

Lyon was part of the changes last week as well. After a stint with the Flyers, which was capped with a rough outing, he was replaced by prospect Carter Hart and sent back to Lehigh Valley. Against Hershey, the defense was strong enough to allow just 18 shots and Lyon was prepared enough to stop all of them. One potential miscue was covered by defenseman Mark Friedman early in the second period. A shot from Jason Megna from the left circle snuck under the left pad of Lyon and was sneaking its way toward the goal line. Lyon believed the puck to be stuck under his pad and Friedman raced in to clear the puck away from the goal line and preserve the shutout.

“I like to think that I save his bacon more,” joked Lyon after the game. “Sometimes those things go your way and sometimes they don’t. It’s just good to be on the right side of those.”

Two nights later, the Phantoms suffered a shootout loss at home against Syracuse but then turned things around quickly on Saturday to get Huffman’s first road win in Hershey in a 6-1 contest.

As for Huffman, he handled the change with few nerves about his first coaching job in the AHL. He pointed out that he had been behind the bench for three seasons and was familiar with the players and with what Gordon had done with the team that led to success. The new coach didn’t change much on the ice, choosing to leave the lineup pretty much the same with the exception of making some shifts due to changes in personnel.

As Huffman walked into the media room after the game, he quipped “normally I’m watching video by now.”

One interesting point about Huffman serving behind the team’s bench is how the organization as a whole and the team specifically are addressing Huffman’s tenure. While Gordon has the tag of interim coach ahead of his name in Philadelphia, every mention of Huffman uses the term “acting coach.” It’s a seemingly insignificant thing but points to the possibility that Huffman may be on more of a temporary basis with Lehigh Valley than Gordon is in Philadelphia.

ANOTHER MUTUAL EXIT ... When GM Chuck Fletcher dismissed Hakstol in Philadelphia it came after a discussion between the two men that resulted in a “mutual” agreement for Hakstol to find other employment. A similar conversation took place between the Flyers and Radel Fazleev, who had his contract terminated by mutual consent this past week. Fazleev had played in 15 games with no goals and two assists on the season.

OTHER MOVES ... Steven Swavely joined the Phantoms on a professional tryout contract and Mikhail Vorobyev returned to the lineup after an injury. In addition to the switch of goalies, Phil Varone was again recalled by the Flyers.

IN GOOD STANDING ... Lehigh Valley stands third in the Atlantic Division in both points and win percentage. Through their first 29 games, Lehigh Valley is 17-9-1-2 and trails first-place Charlotte (23-7-2-0) by 11 points and are four points behind second-place Bridgeport (18-9-4-1) in the division.