Matvei Michkov was inexplicably scratched twice in a row by John Tortorella. He responded by putting together a huge game in his first appearance back in the Flyers lineup.

John Tortorella was happy with Matvei Michkov's effort in his return to the lineup for the Flyers against the Sharks.

To be clear, from Day 1 of training camp Tortorella has left little doubt he thinks the world of Michkov. The winger’s work ethic, competitiveness and internal fire have endeared him to the Flyers’ often tough-to-please coach. Yes, there’s a nearly half-century age gap between the two, but there seems to be a real affection there.

Matvei Michkov passed one of the first tests of his young career and will look to author another strong performance Thursday when the Philadelphia Flyers visit the Ottawa Senators. One of the league's most dynamic rookies,

Head coach John Tortorella and the Philadelphia Flyers made major airwaves after making public the decision to bench, as in fully healthy scratch, rookie sensation Matvei Michkov ahead of Thursday night’s game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

In his two-plus years as Flyers head coach, John Tortorella has preached that nobody is above the law and backed up those words with his actions. Thursday afternoon provided the latest example, as Tortorella announced that rookie sensation Matvei Michkov will be a healthy scratch for the team’s game tonight against the Tampa Bay Lightning (7:30 p.

Philadelphia Flyers coach scratching rookie of the month Matvei Michkov is not necessarily a bad thing. It's now up to the Calder Trophy contender to respond effectively.