DENVER – When your third line features two players, Wayne Simmonds and James van Riemsdyk, capable of reaching the 30-goal mark, you can understand why the Flyers offense is expected to carry them this season.
The Flyers should score a ton of goals, but there are questions about the defense. Big questions. That means the development of second-year players Robert Hagg and Travis Sanheim will be a major key – and could be the difference between a good season or a memorable one for a team chasing its first Stanley Cup since 1975.
As a rookie, Hagg, a physical defender, was mostly productive until slumping late in the season and being benched by coach Dave Hakstol.