NEWARK, N.J. — The Flyers’ Matvei Michkov was handed a $2,000 fine Tuesday for breaking the NHL’s “embellishment/diving” rule. It was the second time Michkov has broken the policy this season, with the first violation on Dec. 3 a warning.

Michkov is the fourth player to be disciplined for diving by the NHL this season.

The fine might not be a deterrent to future rule-breaking. but the negative publicity could. No player wants to build a reputation as a flopper. It draws more scrutiny, from fans and officials.

According to the NHL, more violations of the rule by Michkov could result in a fine of up to $5,000 as well as a potential $2,000 fine to coach Rick Tocchet.

Officially, Michkov violated NHL Rule 64. The $2K handover is supplementary discipline. Rule 64 is designed to bring attention to and more seriously penalize players who repeatedly dive in an attempt to draw penalties. Fines are assessed to players and head coaches on a graduated scale.

Michkov was issued a warning following an incident flagged by NHL Hockey Operations on Dec. 3 against Buffalo. His second citation was issued for an incident at 17:24 of the second period against Columbus on March 24. Michkov and Columbus defenseman Dante Fabbro (cross-checking) received offsetting minor penalties on the play.

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A big part of Tuesday night’s defensive game plan for the Flyers against New Jersey is keeping a close eye on the Devils’ Jack Hughes, who made a name for himself by scoring the gold-medal goal for Team USA in February’s Milan Cortina Olympics.

“He’s one of those guys in the league that’s tough to shut down the whole game,” Tocchet said prior to the game at the Prudential Center. “There are certain things that we’re going to have to do against him to limit his strengths. He’s a money player.”

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It’s no secret that hockey games get tighter down the stretch. Goal totals get lower, shots dry up and defense is at a premium. That’s the main reason Flyers captain Sean Couturier’s role becomes so important in the final weeks of a season.

“Whether he’s playing 12 minutes or 21 like he did the other night,” Tocchet said. “Tough assignments.”

But that’s a role Couturier embraces.

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Tocchet knows that some of his younger players are going through the grind of a playoff push for the first time. He’s keeping a close eye on how they react to the pressure.

Recent wins over Dallas and the New York Islanders are examples of instances when the Flyers came up big when they weren’t necessarily favored to win.

“Those are tough spots,” Tocchet pointed out. “This (New Jersey) is another tough spot. Watching the young guys in these tough spots and how they deal with it. They’re having fun. That’s the whole part of it. Don’t be scared of it. Go attack it.”