Miffed Brayden Schenn plays with chip on shoulder, keys Flyers' win

Earlier this week, Flyers right winger Brayden Schenn, despite scoring goals in each of his first two preseason games, didn't exactly get a ringing endorsement from general manager Ron Hextall or new coach Dave Hakstol.

"I think he's been OK," Hextall said on Thursday.

Hakstol said Schenn had done a "pretty good job" but that there were "some areas that he can become more complete in."

Schenn read the comments, became agitated, and then went out and played his best game of the preseason Friday, leading the Flyers to a 5-2 win over a New York Islanders split-squad team at the Wells Fargo Center. He was dominant in the offensive end and chipped in with his third goal in as many games, scoring on a power move in which he displayed speed and strength.

"That only motivates you right there," Schenn said of the comments. "I know how I value myself.  Like I said, if they want to say that, that's fine.  Maybe they are just trying to get me going, motivate me. I'm not sure, but at the same time I just have to go out there and worry about doing my job and play hard for the Flyers."

Schenn, 24, was mostly on top lines last season, when he collected 18 goals and a career-high 47 points. But the season was marked by inconstant play. At one point, Schenn managed just three goals in a 35-game stretch.

In this year's training camp, he has been playing on the bottom lines, primarily with center Scott Laughton and left winger Chris Porter _ two players fighting for roster spots.

"Through camp here, we all know where I have been in the lineup; that's no secret right there," Schenn said. "But for me, I  just have to go and continue to work hard and continue to play my game _ and hopefully they see me as a key piece."

It was Schenn, not Wayne Simmonds, who was considered to be the key player the Flyers received in the stunning 2011 deal that sent captain Mike Richards to Los Angeles. Simmonds has blossomed into a premier power forward. Schenn is still searching for more consistency.

Schenn said he is playing with a chip on his shoulder.

"You really have to play with one," he said. "You know for me personally, I know where I was placed in the lineup to start camp, and whether that's a message or something else, I just have to go out there and play. You have to play hard every night.  It's a new coach, he's never seen me play live before…and for me I'm just trying to make an impression."

A natural center, Schenn is becoming comfortable at right wing and says he enjoys the position.

"I just have to play where the opportunity presents itself," he said, "and make the most of it."

Schenn is in the final year of his contract, so it would be a perfect time to have a breakout season _ for him and the Flyers.