Photo Courtesy of Tim Nwachukwu, Getty Images
Amongst the Philadelphia Flyers fan base Travis Sanheim is quite a polarizing figure. The young defenseman has often been criticised for his lack of consistency and defensive lapses in his own end. Despite this, Sanheim is likely the most offensively skilled defenseman on the roster. His ability to rush the puck up the ice, as well as, break the puck out of his own end is a luxury for the Flyers. Although, some of his defensive mishaps have caused many to look past the other qualities Sanheim brings to the team.
The defenseman started off slowly this season and had his fair share of struggles in his own end. However since the firing of Alain Vigneault, Sanheim’s game has come full circle. Not only is he contributing to the team with his offensive prowess, the defender is also playing soundly in the defensive zone. Through his gap control, his ability to exit the puck out of the zone and his hockey IQ.
One factor into how Sanheim has brought his play to the next level is an adjustment made by head coach Mike Yeo. Yeo has given Sanheim the go ahead in regards to carrying the puck up ice and joining the rush when possible. Defensemen trying to create offensively is crucial to succes in the new age NHL and when the opportunity arises Sanheim is now expected to try to create scoring chances.
Another element to Sanheim picking up his play and utilizing his skills fully has been his defense partner Rasmus Ristolainen. The physicality and aggressiveness Ristolainen brings on a nightly basis has afforded Sanheim more time and space to control the puck and make accurate passes.
Not to mention the Finnish defenseman’s crease-clearing capabilities which complement Sanheim’s style of play perfectly. As in many instances clearing the crease and marking players in front of the net has been a bit of a weakness in Sanheim’s game, though he has improved as of late.
Ristolainen’s presence has also allowed Sanheim to use his offensive abilities much more frequently. Typically he’s stayed in a more defensive first position when Sanheim joins the rush and pinches down low in the other team’s zone.
What this has done is ensure Sanheim that he’ll have a safety net covering for him defensively which only improves his confidence and selection in taking these chances offensively. Therefore signifying how important Ristolainen has been to Sanheim’s overall game.
The defender has also been creating an abundance of scoring chances. While his opportunities to join the rush or in many cases lead the rush and create zone entries with his skating ability have become much more noticable since Sanheim has settled in with Ristolainen as his defense partner.
As a result of Yeo’s schematic changes and having Rasmus Ristolainen as a steady defense partner it’s allowed Travis Sanheim to excel in various facets of his play. It’s certainly been paying off for the Flyers so far as Sanheim currently has 7 points in his last 7 games since the firing of Alain Vigneualt.
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At this point it looks like Sanheim is maturing as a player. He’s taking the next steps in his game to solidify himself as a top defensive option for the Flyers in any given moment or playing situation. When executing his style of play effectively Sanheim’s offensive ability is a weapon the Flyers can continue to utilize to their advantage. Ultimately, due to his production, his importance to the Flyers transition up the ice and creating clean zone entries through carrying the puck into the zone its evident that Travis Sanheim is the Flyers best defenseman heading into the NHL holiday break.
