Flyers HC John Tortorella shines light on "big difference" in Matvei Michkov's performance against Kings, after punishing rookie in win over Ducks

Philadelphia Flyers coach John Tortorella spoke about Matvei Michkov's progress after the Flyers' 5-4 loss to the Kings on Sunday. Tortorella saw improvement in the 20-year-old rookie's performance following his benching in Saturday's 3-1 win over the Ducks.

During a post-game conference, Tortorella praised Michkov’s effort, saying:

“I thought Mich competed harder tonight. I thought there was a big difference in his game ... Yeah, played good.”

After being benched against the Ducks for energy and skating issues, Matvei Michkov bounced back. Michkov ended a seven-game point drought with a goal and an assist against the Kings. His first-period assist came from a clever play, trying to bank a shot off David Rittich, which Scott Laughton finished. Michkov scored again in the second period.

The Flyers lost to the Kings on Sunday, their second defeat against Los Angeles in 10 days. Despite a 4-2 lead after Joel Farabee’s second-period goal, the Flyers allowed three unanswered goals. Two came in the third period, continuing a pattern.

The Kings have outscored the Flyers 6-0 in the third period over both games this season. The loss dropped the Flyers to a 16-17-4 record.

Matvei Michkov follows John Tortorella’s guidance

John Tortorella’s decision to let Matvei Michkov play through challenges paid off as the rookie had his 10th multi-point game. Despite his promise, Michkov’s earlier benching in Anaheim showed Tortorella’s focus on effort and accountability.

"It's just been a struggle, energy. The skating, energy, it's just not there,” Tortorella said after the Ducks game.

Joel Farabee provided a positive with goals in back-to-back games since the holiday break. However, secondary scoring and defensive lapses continue to hurt the Flyers. They are 1-1-0 on a five-game road trip and 1-6-0 in the second games of back-to-back sets this season.

Matvei Michkov responded well to being benched in the Anaheim loss, focusing on improving his game. Tortorella said Michkov’s defensive play, especially a mistake in the second period, led to the decision.

“(Tortorella) said that everything will work out through work, and the scoring will come,” Michkov said (via athletic.com). “I try to follow all the instructions of the coach.”

The Flyers will play the Sharks on Tuesday.