The 19-year-old forward was scratched on Philadelphia’s recent road trip to Florida by coach John Tortorella, who apparently wasn’t pleased with the rookie’s play away from the puck in recent games. Samuel Ersson made 28 saves for the Flyers.

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.

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.