I remember Brandon Manning had 7 points in his first 10 games a couple seasons ago. He scored 5 more points in his next 55 games. I don't even need to sh*t on Hagg -- and we really haven't so far -- but some people can't help trying to infer any Sanheim statement as a direct referendum on Hagg.
He's actually played OK for a player of his ilk beyond the goals. There has been some marginal improvement in an area or two from last year, though no one denied that being realistic. He's also shooting 25% now (to his credit, he has been more willing to join down low for more dangerous chances) and isn't exactly killing it in the numbers, but he's been up to snuff individually as a depth player, playing with the new worst defenseman on the team. Though Sanheim has seen 30% of his 5v5 time with MacDonald as well, dragging him down accordingly.
By all means, use those 4 games and what should be a 1 point differential to prove a point about their all-encompassing games. Hagg has as many points as Patrick, Konecny, Lindblom, Sanheim combined! He's tied with Brent Burns and Erik Karlsson in points; neither has a goal! He's been better than them too, I gather? It is amusing that Hagg finds a way to put up SSS unsustainable numbers at the start of the season (yet again) to provide for thin ice arguments for those who don't care for the concept of "unsustainable." I certainly group Hakstol there.
Sanheim has the best goal differential at 5v5/ES of any Flyers defenseman -- the most positive outcomes have come with him on the ice. And he's done it with lesser teammates and similar competition. Thus, it can be argued he has been the best. That's how this works, right? Also, very important to note, Sanheim also has a significantly lower OZS% and higher DZS%, which I have been told numerous times matters a great deal with such data.
Of course I kid. I'm sure if passing data was available it wouldn't be close between the two in play creating. I'm not even here to argue against Sanheim's goal differential numbers being unsustainable too and that he could stand to improve. But he played very well last game, and has more than not so far, and has not been rewarded -- an ever-present theme dating back to last year. Hagg hasn't been the problem (so far); that has and will remain such. Even the goal differential isn't doing it for him. Sanheim ascending from #6 to 18-22 minutes every single night, and not being yo-yo'd, is the major difference for this team taking a step forward in personnel. Good luck!