"Bedard's too weak to do that": NHL fans react as Flyers rookie Matvei Michkov is slapped with $2473.96 fine for high-sticking Quinton Byfield

The Philadelphia Flyers suffered a 5-4 loss to the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, December 29. Despite holding a 4-2 lead in the second period, the Flyers lost momentum and were outscored by the Kings in the third period for the second time this season.

However, the game's outcome was overshadowed by a notable incident involving Flyers rookie Matvei Michkov. Michkov was fined $2,473.96 by the NHL's Department of Player Safety for high-sticking Kings forward Quinton Byfield.

The incident occurred at 11:35 of the third period, when Michkov and Byfield became entangled in a brief scrum while vying for control of the puck. Following a subtle punch to the face and a push by Byfield, the 20-year-old Russian forward retaliated by swinging his stick and making contact with Byfield's head.

Many Flyers fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their discontent with the fine, as Michkov had already been assessed a double minor penalty during the game.

"Next Joke from this league," reacted one fan.

"free my boy he's innocent," another fan said.

"Uhh what? It was a normal hockey play?", questione one fan.

Matvei Michkov, who averaged a point per game in his first 27 games, was benched by coach John Tortorella in the third period against the Ducks on Saturday. The benching came amid a slump, with Michkov scoreless in seven consecutive games. However, he bounced back with a goal and an assist.

Michkov's performance has earned him appreciation from Flyers fans, as he leads all rookies with 12 goals and 29 points. His efforts have reinforced the notion that he is one of the most productive and impressive rookies in the league, outpacing his peers.

"Don’t see any of these other rookies playing with this type of edge", said one fan.

"Bedard’s too weak to do that," wrote one fan.

"Celebrini’s too small to do that," another fan commented.

Matvei Michkov was fined the maximum allowable amount under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, with the entire amount being donated to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.

Philadelphia Flyers drop second game to Los Angeles Kings, fall 5-4 despite strong start

NHL: Kings at Flyers - Source: Getty

The Philadelphia Flyers suffered their second loss to the Los Angeles Kings this season, despite leading 4-2 midway through the second period and maintaining a 4-3 edge in the third. The host Kings, fresh from a 4-3 overtime victory against the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday, secured their seventh consecutive home win.

The game began with Swiss left-winger Kevin Fiala scoring the opening goal for the LA Kings at 5:14 in the first period. The Flyers responded with back-to-back goals in the same period, courtesy of Tyson Foerster (6:43) and Scott Laughton (8:17). Forward Adrian Kempe leveled the score 2-2 with a goal at 16:45.

In the second period, the Flyers regained the lead with two consecutive goals. Rookie Matvei Michkov scored his first goal and secured his second point of the game at 11:03, followed by Joel Farabee at 13:45, giving the Flyers a solid 4-2 lead.

However, the Kings staged a dramatic comeback in the third period, scoring three consecutive goals in the last five minutes. Forward Warren Foegele scored at 15:04, followed by two goals from Kings captain Anze Kopitar, including the game-winning goal, as he continued to impress in his 19th NHL season.