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Flyers' 'D' prospects living up to hype

The Flyers' promising young defensemen are living up to their billing.

They used three rookie defensemen -- Ivan Provorov, Travis Sanheim and Phil Myers -- and they played solidly in a 4-0 exhibition win over the Islanders at the Wells Fargo Center on Tuesday.

"Those kids, they're so calm," said veteran right winger Wayne Simmonds, who scored a pair of goals. "They've got poise, every single one of them. It's really nice to see them back there. I think they all played great."

Myers and Provorov were extremely physical, and Sanheim showed the ability to jump in and join the rush. The 6-foot-3, 202-pound Sanheim contributed two assists.

Sanheim, 20, looks more confident and less tentative than last year, when he struggled in training camp.

"I think last year was definitely a learning trip for me and I didn't have the camp that I wanted to," he said. "I came in this year a little more motivated and excited to get things going and hopefully starting my pro career this year. I think I've had a good camp so far, and hopefully I can build off of it."

More than likely, the right-handed-shooting Myers will start the season in juniors, Sanheim will go to the AHL's Phantoms, and Provorov will be in the Flyers' lineup.

In the future, all three, along with Shayne Gostisbehere and Sam Morin (who should play Wednesday in Allentown vs. New Jersey), figure to be part of an imposing young defense.

The 6-5, 204-pound Myers earned a contract as an undrafted free agent in last September's camp and has made startling strides in the last year. He was paired with Michael Del Zotto on Tuesday.

"Playing with the NHL defensemen here, you see how they do everything and you try to learn as much as you can," said Myers, 19, who had 17 goals and 45 points in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League last season. "It's been unbelievable, and I'm really thankful for this opportunity."

Simmonds' shield.  Simmonds is experimenting with an eye shield in exhibition games.

"It wasn't too bad tonight," he said. "I think the only thing for me was trying to track pucks in the sky when you're getting the glare from the lights, so it's a little bit of an adjustment."

He was asked what pushed him toward wearing one.

"Ron Hextall," he said, referring to the Flyers' general manager.

Breakaways. Jordan Weal, Nick Cousins, and Boyd Gordon were dominating on faceoffs Tuesday against an Islanders team that used mostly prospects. ... Sanheim fired nine shots, including three that were on goal. ... Del Zotto blocked six shots....Wednesday's game will be shown on the Comcast Network.