Flyers vs Sabers: live streaming, storylines, playing time and more

Robert Hagg came out of one of the Flyers Skate Zone equipment rooms, exchanged friendly greetings and smiled in his locker.

The 25-year-old defender has fun during a season where fun has come up against obstacles.

Hagg is in the middle of a year of contract and has treated healthy scratches in a competitive group of deflectors. Cracking the programming was a task in itself. Staying in was another test.

But those NHL pressures have faded from the news he received alongside his close friend and teammate Oskar Lindblom. In December, Lindblom, 23, was diagnosed with Ewings's sarcoma, a rare form of cancer that occurs in the bones or in the soft tissues around the bones.

"He is a mentally strong child," Hagg said Tuesday. "It’s impressive."

Hagg therefore goes ahead. He's tough on the ice, but has a big smile, just like Lindblom. Hagg never needed another reason to work hard and have fun. After learning about Lindblom's cancer diagnosis, he got one.

You put life in a different perspective, "he said." It was really difficult when we found out and a few weeks after. Since then, I felt like he wanted us to keep playing, to keep winning, that's what he wants. It is also the only thing you can do for him. Keep fighting with him, but he wants you to play and do well.

I think there is an extra push for the whole team knowing this. It's great when it goes down, you can tell that everyone is happy. We were lucky to see it the other day, the whole team, we can feel the atmosphere, there is so much energy coming into the locker room and I think it helps . This will help now and in the end because we need all the energy we can get.

Thanks to their Swedish connection, Hagg and Lindblom got closer to the Flyers. They knew each other before joining the Flyers organization, playing together in 2012-13 with the Swedish U-18 IIHF World Junior Championship team and the U-18 international club. This season, thanks to success and difficulties, their bond has been strengthened.

"When he moved here, we got closer because we saw each other every day," said Hagg. "But I wanted to get through this part, it also brings us together as friends. You get closer if you are from the same country, speak the same language and you can help each other that way. J & # 39; 39; have felt that these years have brought us closer together and I think it brings us even closer now.

Hagg and Lindblom live close to each other in downtown Philly, on the water's edge.

"My girlfriend and her girlfriend are pretty tight," said Hagg. "I talk to her a lot."

As Lindblom underwent cancer treatment, Hagg saw the strength of his friend.

"He always likes the same person, you can't really tell what he's going through," said Hagg. He lives the same way as before. It's good to see it. Nothing bothers him. "

(Zack Hill / Philadelphia Flyers)

With injuries to Shayne Gostisbehere (knee) and Justin Braun (groin), Hagg seized his chance to play. He has only been out of the lineup three times since December 29, a streak in which he has 10 points (three goals, seven assists) and a plus-16 rating in 26 games. In these 26 games, the Flyers are 19-5-2.

He found a way to earn a spot in our group through an opportunity where Ghost was injured, Haggs came in and played very well, and at the same time, team play resumed, "said Tuesday Flyers head coach Alain Vigneault. " He plays within his limits, a high percentage, a physical when necessary and one of our best defenders to block shots.

"I liked what he brought to our group, so I hope he can continue to contribute as he has done.

As a third pair defender, Hagg knows his game. And he played it well. Don't try to overdo it and do the little things that kept it in alignment.

In addition, his audacity to block shots (best of team 6.30 for 60) and defend the others is not lost on his teammates.

He brings a lot to this team, plays the right way defensively and is there to block all the shots he can, "said Kevin Hayes on Tuesday. We have a few guys like that on our back end. This is a statistic that no one really cares about, but it has come a long way in this group. We know how important it is to this team. I mean, he's a great guy too, so it makes him even better.

He's a happy guy, he's a great teammate. Im happy hes on my team.

Robert Hagg defends his captain.

Tom Wilson will return to the box. pic.twitter.com/Q9tYNJRZYZ

– NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) March 5, 2020

Robert Hagg stops a high shot. pic.twitter.com/7OSUKrODhZ

– Ryan Gilbert (@RGilbertSOP) March 1, 2020

In the second year of a $ 2.3 million two-year deal, Hagg played some of his best hockey games as an NHL player with a restricted free agency before this offseason.

"Of course, it's a great year because it's a contractual year, but I experienced it two years ago too," he said. "Last year I thought I had a good season and this year when I play I think I have done a very good job and that is the only thing I can control. That’s what I’m focusing on. I want to stay, so I grab all the (opportunities) I can and try to do my best.

Hagg, who is not an offensive defender in any way, joined the score. In 47 games, Hagg has 13 points (three goals, 10 assists), seven shy to match his career high.

I have felt pretty good all year, but of course lately, a little more offense on my side, "he said with a smile." It's always fun to put the puck back in the net and get some assists here and there. "

He even scored the first power play goal of his career in the last minute of a 6-2 burst against the Panthers last month. A numerical advantage drawn this season, a goal.

One hundred percent so far, so should be in there, "said Hagg with a laugh." No, it was a fun moment, 50 seconds remaining in the game, it was fun to try what it feels like to be there.

I feel like the whole season has been like this, a fun season. I can't imagine it's already March. "

For Lindblom, Hagg and the Flyers will continue to grow.

"Even though there have been ups and downs throughout the year, in this room I have had a lot of fun this year," said Hagg, "and I think that this is just the beginning. "

Click here to download the MyTeams app from NBC Sports! Get full coverage of your teams and easily stream the Flyers, Sixers and Phillies games to your device.

More on the Flyers