The Flyers are not going to shy away from using their young second pairing during the playoffs.
The Flyers defensive core is on the younger side. Matt Niskanen and Justin Braun make up the veterans on the squad. Shayne Gostisbehere could be classified as a veteran as this is his fifth season. But the rest of the group was all born in 1995 or later.
Philippe Myers highlights the group as the youngest defensemen on the Flyers regular roster. He comes in at 23-years-old. His partner, Travis Sanheim, is less than a year older. But despite the young ages, the two have a big responsibility heading their way.
Ivan Provorov and Niskanen are the Flyers top pairing. They will certainly get a chunk of the heavy minutes and tough assignments. But that doesn’t take the two youngsters off the hook.
Myers and Sanheim will also have their fair share of tough assignments during the playoffs. Going up against top talent isn’t a new thing for the pairing. They were given a taste of that during the regular season. And the same is expected to happen once the playoffs begin. Mike Yeo knows what these two can handle.
"“Not only did we not hide those guys, but we purposely matched them against the best lines in the league…they have that ability, and because we wanted them to grow. Really, the only way to do it is by doing it. I would say the same holds true for the playoffs.”"
Facing off against team’s top talent on the playoffs is a good way to gauge where the two are at in their development. They won’t be thrown to the wolves in regards to this deployment. But they won’t be hidden either.
Another thing to remember, though, is neither player has much playoff experience. Sanheim has the most between the two as he appeared in four playoff games. He does have a playoff goal.
For Myers, this will be his first time taking part in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. It’s a confidence boost for sure for a younger player who doesn’t have the experience of his other teammates. But he shined more often than not during his rookie season.
He posted four goals and 16 points in 50 games this season, the most he has appeared in with the Flyers. Myers made his debut a season ago, playing sporadically in 21 games. He did score his first NHL goal that season.
Sanheim has steadily grown during his three seasons with the team. He was on pace to earn a new career high in goals this season. But the growth into one of the Flyers best defensemen has been a welcome sight.
Put the two together and they make up a formidable duo behind Provorov and Niskanen. They are trustworthy on the ice together. The two have the second most ice time together as a pairing.
They rocked a 52.37 CF% and drove well while on the ice to the tune of a 51.84 FF%. Myers and Sanheim also have a high expected goals for total, coming in at 51.85%. All of these numbers are close to what the Flyers top pairing puts up.
Meaning that both young defensemen are able to hold their own while on the ice. There is a different type on intensity involved in the playoffs so they will be tested more than they previously were.
But there are no concerns about their ability to stand up to said test.