Matvei Michkov's ice time becomes a Flyers problem

Matvei Michkov leads the Flyers in goals, and fans are asking why Rick Tocchet doesn't play him more.

The conversation picked up around November 6, when posts on X pointed out that Michkov and rookie Porter Martone are among the team's top producers but are not getting the minutes to match. Michkov has 10 goals through 18 games, yet reports put his average ice time near 15:53 to 15:56 per game. That is reportedly the lowest among NHL players with at least 10 goals this season.

The timing matters. The Flyers sit 30th in the NHL at 4-10-4, and they have lost two straight after Thursday's 3-2 defeat at the Rangers.

It also isn't the first time Michkov has been part of a quiet story off the ice. About a month ago, during the team's slow start, he deleted posts from his Instagram account and possibly made it private, saying he wanted to focus on hockey.

It's unclear whether Michkov himself liked the recent posts or someone from his camp did. Either way, it drew attention as a possible sign of frustration with his usage.

Nobody has confirmed that. But the fans have made up their minds, and they have rallied around him.

Why 16 minutes for Michkov doesn't add up

Start with the production. Michkov has 13 points in 18 games, and five of his 10 goals have come on the power play. He also has one game-winner.

The other side of the ledger is ugly, and Tocchet will point to it. Michkov is a -11, the worst rating of the two players in question, and managing defensive responsibilities is a real part of how the coach builds his lineup.

Still, a team that has scored 39 goals in 18 games, with a goal differential of -22, can't afford to be picky about who is on the ice when the puck goes in. Michkov should be playing at least 18 minutes a night. Sixteen is not enough for the one guy who has been scoring.

Martone is the second half of the discussion. The sixth overall pick in 2025 has 3 goals and 5 assists in 18 games, with two of his goals on the power play. Last Wednesday, our look at the Flyers' production problem against the Rangers asked whether the lineup has enough scoring beyond its usual names. The usage numbers raise that question again.

Both players are on entry-level deals, and Michkov's runs through the end of this season. That adds weight to every decision about his role.

The road gets no easier. The Flyers are 1-6-1 away from home, and they open a game at Calgary on Sunday, which our preview of the must-win in Calgary frames as a game they badly need. Whether Tocchet gives Michkov more ice time there is the first real answer fans will get.

Quick hits

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NASHVILLE PREDATORSNashville puts a three-game winning streak on the line against the Blues tonight. Filip Forsberg and Steven Stamkos are driving it.

WINNIPEG JETSKyle Connor and the Jets host Tampa Bay on Sunday, chasing a third straight win after a 6-2 romp over Vancouver.

CAROLINA HURRICANESThe NHL's best team has an odd problem. The Hurricanes have been better away from Raleigh than at home, and they host the Blackhawks.

TORONTO MAPLE LEAFSJohn Tavares looks set to return tonight against the Canadiens, according to practice lines from Mark Masters. Good timing for Toronto.