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.

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 rookie forward Matvei Michkov will be a healthy scratch for Thursday's game against the host Tampa Bay Lightning, coach John Tortorella said.

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.

Flyers rookie Matvei Michkov, who has just one assist in the last five games, will be a healthy scratch Thursday. "It's trying to help him," John Tortorella said.

The Philadelphia Flyers have announced that forward Matvei Michkov will be scratched for the team’s game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday, and Anthony Richard will be making his debut for the team.

An unfortunate first for one of the young stars in the game. On Thursday, the Philadelphia Flyers announced that forward Matvei Michkov will be stretched for the team’s game on Thursday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning.