Apr 6, 2013; Winnipeg, MB, CAN; Philadelphia Flyers defense Luke Schenn (22) skates off the ice after taking a puck to the face during the second period against the Winnipeg Jets at the MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports

Since the first installment on Thursday (they will be out on Mondays from now on) I have been racking my brain trying to figure out who the next Underdog of the Week should be. I had a bunch of players in mind and was really struggling trying to figure out which one to pick. Then on Saturday afternoon something happened. Luke Schenn of the Philadelphia Flyers took a puck to the face trying to block a shot, but that isn’t what makes him Underdog of the Week. What makes him Underdog of the week is that after taking the puck to the face he got right up, blood dripping down his face and skated to the dressing room, no overt theatrics. He then returned later in the game after getting two layers of stitches, showing courage and strength that every hockey fan can appreciate.

Now, Schenn might not be the best defenseman in the league but what he lacks he makes up for with heart. He will do everything he can for his team, whether it is dropping the gloves for a teammate or blocking a shot. The toughness he showed Saturday afternoon caused him to gain some much deserved respect that he did not see with his previous team, the Toronto Maple Leafs.

He has only scored 3 goals this season (one was on Thursday sealing the win over his old team) but Schenn isn’t known for his goal scoring ability, he is known for his toughness. Schenn is 4th in the league and 1st among defensemen in hits with 144. He has 76 blocked shots this season which puts him at 23rd in the league and 2nd among the Flyers.

As a kid Schenn always gravitated toward the role of shut-down defenseman. This worked well for one on one’s with brother Brayden Schenn who wanted to be a forward and work on his moves. Who would of thought in those days that both brothers from Saskatoon Saskatchewan would end up playing in the NHL for the Philadelphia Flyers. They have both gone on record saying that they enjoy getting to spend more time together now, the two even live in the same building.

Luke has played in the NHL since he was drafted in 2008 to the Toronto Maple Leafs. A lot of Leafs fans believe he was rushed and could have developed more but I think they forget that he is still young. Luke is only 23 and has been improving in every game he plays. Since joining the Flyers he has been working with injured veteran defenseman Chris Pronger, which seems to have really helped him improve. I think Luke is a player to watch and doesn’t receive nearly as much positive attention as he deserves. So, here’s some positive media attention, Luke. Hope you enjoyed your time in the spotlight.

March 9, 2013; Boston, MA USA; Philadelphia Flyers center Brayden Schenn (10) skates in the offensive zone during the second period against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

In last night’s game against the New Jersey Devils, Brayden Schenn of the Philadelphia Flyers was called for charging on a hit on Peter Harrold. In the replay it looked as though Brayden left his feet and that the hit should garner the attention of the league, however there is no news yet on whether a disciplinary hearing will be held.

Brayden has already been suspended one game this season for a similar hit on Anton Volchenkov. This makes him a repeat offender, which would make any punishment given more severe. However there is no talk of a disciplinary hearing as of yet, so I’m assuming this means there will not be one. The league is usually on top of these kinds of things and hearings are usually scheduled the day after the game in question.

If you watch the hit a couple of times it is a bit questionable whether or not it merits more than just a charging penalty. It is unclear whether he leaves his feet before or after he makes contact with Harrold. I’ve watched it at least 10 times and I still can’t figure it out. Brayden’s previous hit on Volchenkov was an obvious suspension as he clearly left his feet.

What do you think? Should Brayden be suspended? Leave your comments in the comment box below.

March 29, 2012; Toronto, ON, CANADA; Philadelphia Flyers forward Brayden Schenn (10) during the first period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia Flyers forward Brayden Schenn wrecked New Jersey Devils defenseman Anton Volchenkov on Tuesday night, and now Schenn will be facing a disciplinary hearing from Brendan Shanahan, the first of the season.

If Schenn is disciplined, it will be because he left his feet before making the hit on Volchenkov. But did he actually leave his feet before making the hit, or did he leave them after? That’s what Shanahan will have to make a decision on. You can view the video at the end of the post and judge for yourself.

The hit was huge, but it didn’t seem to hurt Volchenkov – he continued to play and the Devils ended up beating the Flyers 3-0. After the hit, Schenn actually continued to get physical with the Devils – he fought Devils forward Steve Bernier with less than a minute left in the game.

Here’s the video of the hit:

[CSNPhilly.com]