Flyers' Travis Sanheim sits again; Carter Hart in WJC semis

Travis Sanheim, going through the typical growing pains of a rookie, was a healthy scratch for the second straight game Tuesday.

The 21-year-old Flyers defenseman was replaced by Brandon Manning against Pittsburgh.

Coach Dave Hakstol said he liked the way the 6-foot-3, 205-pound Sanheim has carried the puck up ice, but that he needs to see more consistency on defense.

"As you get to this time of the year, it gets more challenging — the defensive side of the game in terms of reading plays and being able to react quickly to them," Hakstol said before the game. "That's probably the area that, like most young defensemen, he can make improvements in. But for the most part, we've been happy with Travis and his work and his development. I think he's added to our team."

Sitting out the last two games "is a great opportunity for him to get some good work done both on the ice and off the ice in areas he can improve," Hakstol said.

In 34 games, Sanheim has one goal, four assists, and a minus-9 rating. Though it's not the end-all stat, Sanheim has been a "plus" player just once in the last 16 games.

Manning had a goal and four hits Friday in a 5-3 win in Tampa. He had missed the previous 10 games with a hand injury.

"He's such a respected veteran in our room," Hakstol said. "Manno does everything with an edge. He's got a hardness to him that is really valuable, especially as you get to this time of the year. "

Flyers prospect Carter Hart stopped 13 of 15 shots as Team Canada blasted Switzerland on Tuesday, 8-2, and advanced to the World Junior Championship semifinals Thursday against the Czech Republic.

Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov said playing in the tournament was invaluable for him.

"Just being able to play against the best players in the world at your age group helped a lot," said Provorov, who played in the 2015 and 2016 tourneys. "I didn't play with my age group. I played with guys two years older and one year older. It's a great opportunity to represent your country and you learn from the experience."

Provorov's family traveled from Russia to the Philadelphia area to be with him for the holidays.

For the second straight game, left winger Jori Lehtera replaced Taylor Leier in the lineup. … Defensemen Kris Letang and Justin Schultz returned to the Penguins' lineup after sitting out with injuries. … Entering Tuesday, Claude Giroux had a seven-game assist streak, during which he had collected 12 helpers.