Matvei Michkov was inexplicably scratched twice in a row by John Tortorella. He responded by putting together a huge game in his first appearance back in the Flyers lineup.

John Tortorella was happy with Matvei Michkov's effort in his return to the lineup for the Flyers against the Sharks.

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.