Defenseman Robert Hagg, 22, was recalled from Lehigh Valley of the American Hockey League and will make his NHL debut. In 58 AHL games he has 15 points (seven goals, eight assists) and a plus-9 rating, the best among Lehigh Valley defensemen. The improved plus/minus rating is a big sign in the maturity of Hagg's game. He was a combined minus-23 in his first two AHL seasons. He said simplifying his game has helped him succeed this season. "Not looking for a home-run play every single time," he said. "Sometimes it's just easier to put it in the glass and out, or a 5-foot pass. That's helping me in my game." The consistent growth in Hagg's game is why he's being rewarded with his first NHL game, according to coach Dave Hakstol. "From all the reports there, he's had a really solid year right from start to finish," Hakstol said, "and continually improved his game but really stayed to the foundation of the strength of who he is as a player, and I don't think there's been much wavering from that. He's done it from Day One down there and he's been excellent." With Hagg in the lineup, defensemen Brandon Manning will be a healthy scratch.
