The AHL schedule provides for three-game-in-three-day challenges for each team throughout the season.

The Lehigh Valley Phantoms endured their first three-day challenge of the season this past weekend, with three road games and a possible six points available to them. Unfortunately, they came away with just two points, earned in a Friday night win at Hartford, beating the Wolf Pack 5-1.What they could take away from the weekend was a big performance from Jordan Weal, who came to the Flyers last January in a trade with the Los Angeles Kings. Weal played 10 games with the Kings before being dealt to Philadelphia along with L.A.'s third round pick for Vincent Lecavalier and Luke Schenn. The 24-year-old would play in four more NHL games with the Flyers last season, finishing the year without a goal or an assist.It came as a surprise when the Flyers placed Weal on waivers early in October and wound up loaning him to the Phantoms to open the season. When he last played in the AHL, two seasons ago, Weal finished third in the league in scoring as a member of the Manchester Monarchs, with 69 points (20 goals and 49 assists). Now, he's looking to work his way back to the NHL, while playing a key role for Lehigh Valley."I thought I had a good camp, but I knew there was competition, but it kind of surprised me when they sent me here," admitted Weal. "The big thing now is just to play hard and do what I can to help us win here. I can't worry about whether or not what I accomplish here will get me back to the NHL, that's out of my control."This past weekend, Weal scored three goals and chipped in with six assists, giving him nine points in the three games. In the 5-1 win at Hartford, Weal was on the ice for all five goals, and his nine points jumped him to the top of the Phantoms scoring leaders."Jordan's done a nice job, and the important thing is that he came in here with the right attitude, just wanting to help and do what he can to make this team better," said coach Scott Gordon. "Worrying about getting the call back to the NHL never helps a player and I think Jordan knows that."THE REST OF THE TRIP ... Lehigh Valley played a mistake-laden game against Bridgeport Saturday, following the win in Hartford. When the game was over, Bridgeport had beaten the Phantoms 5-4. The three-game streak wrapped up Sunday with a 3-2 loss to rival Hershey. As the two teams often do, the game wound up with two fights, both coming in the third period.WHAT HAPPENED TO THE POWER? ... After converting five power play opportunities in the first two games, the Phantoms went 0-for-5 in the three-game finale in Hershey. Lehigh Valley is 7-for-34 (.206) on the power play this season.ON THE ROAD AGAIN ... The Phantoms have games in Hartford and Providence before their next home game Saturday night against Springfield. At 2-3-1-0, the Phantoms are already six points behind division-leading Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, who have opened the season 5-1-1-0.