Though the season is still young, Flyers’ phenom Matvei Michkov was not on the ice for the team’s most significant moment of the season (so far).

The Flyers lost their battle with the Carolina Hurricanes Saturday night, 4-3 in overtime. Despite the Flyers never trailing by more than a score, Michkov, one of the team’s biggest scoring threats, barely saw the ice. In fact, Michkov’s 13:27 TOI was the lowest amongst the top-nine forwards.

Michkov did not see the ice in the final 1:56 of the game, despite the tied score. Making matters worse, Michkov did not touch the ice during overtime. That is, even though he was the team’s leading overtime goal scorer last season with three.

It seemed like Flyers’ head coach Rick Tocchet had benched Michkov. While it was not necessarily a benching, Tocchet explained his reasoning.

When asked why the young phenom did not see any ice during clutch time, Tocchet told reporters, “I just wanted the guys who I thought were skating.”

Bobby Brink and Noah Cates were used heavily during the extra frame. Trevor Zegras, Tyson Foerster, and Sean Couturier were also used frequently. Even Christian Dvorak got two shifts. Travis Konecny, the team’s biggest star, was used sparingly throughout OT.

Read More: Flyers Lose 4-3 to Hurricanes in OT-Thriller

Where Has MIchkov Been?

After a stellar rookie season for Michkov, he has been quiet to start the new campaign. His impact was felt in nearly every game last season. The rookie was easily one of the most essential Flyers last season.

This year, he is off to a slow start. It’s no cause for panic. There are 80 games left in the season, plenty of time for the young talent to get things going. However, his start surely justifies Tocchet’s decision.

So far, Michkov has tallied just two shots on goal, and none Saturday night. For the most part, he has just blended in. The only time Michkov was really noticeable Saturday night was when he tried to fight Will Carrier in Konecny’s defense. Of course, teammates and officials would step in before anything materialized, and only Michkov got a roughing penalty, which was totally justified.

Again, it’s a long season. There should not be too much worry; he’ll figure it out. But as far as Saturday night, Tocchet had every right to go with the guys who got him to overtime Saturday night.

I understand the decision. It does make sense. However, personally, I disagree. Despite the slow start, you should have your best players on the ice in a sudden-death overtime.

Now, focus will shift to the home opener on Monday. Can Michkov put on a show in front of the home crowd?

Read More: James: How I’d Shuffle the Lines After the Season-Opening Loss