Matvei Michkov expected to be healthy-scratched in Game 5 by Flyers' Rick Tocchet: 'That's the way you develop them'

"I just think he's part of the young group - you hit, not the wall, but you kind of plateau. There's a lot of pace in the playoffs. I think it's okay to evaluate them every once in a while, give them a rest, and stuff. Whether it's Matvei, whether it's [Alex Bump], it doesn't really matter. I think that's the way you develop them as players."

"The 2025-26 season has been a trying one for Michkov, who failed to live up to his 63-point (26g, 37a) rookie campaign. Tocchet has limited Michkov's usage, as the 21-year-old forward struggled to recover from an offseason ankle injury and arrived at training camp in poor physical condition."

Matvei Michkov is expected to sit out Game 5 against the Pittsburgh Penguins as a healthy scratch. His ice time has decreased significantly in the playoffs, averaging only 10:05 per game. Michkov has not recorded any points and has taken three minor penalties. Head coach Rick Tocchet noted the importance of evaluating young players and giving them rest. Michkov's performance has been affected by an offseason ankle injury, and rookie Porter Martone has taken his place in the top-six forward group.

Read at RMNB