Rick Tocchet appears to be making a bold change to Flyers lineup

Drastic lineup changes in the playoffs aren't necessarily frequent. The teams that do it are typically on their heels in some way. On the brink of a sweep, the Penguins made a few changes. Their biggest was starting Arturs Silovs instead of Stuart Skinner. The latter wasn't their biggest problem, but there were some goals he'd like back.

And that sparked them. The Penguins looked more assertive and were driving play much better than they had in the previous four games. That earned them their first victory of the series and gave them some confidence. As for the Flyers, they still hold control and could end things in Pittsburgh. But they may be doing it with a different lineup.

As the Flyers took part in a Sunday practice, Rick Tocchet rolled out some new line combinations. And it was more about who wasn't in than who was.

After sitting out for the first four games of the series, Alex Bump looks to be checking in for the first time. Tocchet stressed that the team wanted to play around with some different things, and this lineup isn't necessarily the one that will take the ice tomorrow. But it seems likely that Bump will make his playoff debut and try to provide some energy to end things.

"He really looked good in practice today, with his shot and energy. I think we need some. After last game, I think we need some energy, and we'll figure it out tomorrow," Tocchet said on Bump after Sunday's practice.

And with Bump coming in, Matvei Michkov is the one taking a seat. The decision isn't a bad one, as Michkov has hardly been a contributor to the Flyers in his first taste of playoff action. He hasn't recorded a point and has four shots in close to 40 and a half minutes of ice time. Michkov has largely spent time with Denver Barkey and Noah Cates. Like the former, Michkov is still young and hasn't experienced this before.

The three were the Flyers' second-best line by the numbers in the opening game, despite being on the ice for a goal against. It was the only shot they allowed while together. After that, the trio has posted rough numbers.

It's not like anyone else has posted strong numbers despite the Flyers' commanding lead in the series. Travis Konecny is the only regular to have a Corsi above 50 percent. And he's only sitting at 51.92 percent. The majority of the team sits under 40 percent. But right toward the top of the list, or bottom depending on how you look at it, is Michkov.

Matvei Michkov's potential scratching is not undeserving

Many will, and already have, viewed this possible situation as one in which Michkov is the scapegoat. But the numbers don't lie. The team has been getting caved in with him on the ice. Sure, you can look at the above and point out that almost no one is performing well by the advanced numbers. But Michkov's numbers are among the worst in nearly every category.

Things went from bad to worse in Game 4's loss. While on the ice, the Penguins outchanced Michkov and the Flyers 14-1. Yes, you're reading that correctly. That's a 6.67 CF%. Sure, they didn't score with Michkov on the ice, but they did everything else to keep momentum in their hands.

There are arguments being made that Michkov isn't being put into situations where he can thrive. According to Natural Stat Trick, his shifts begin in the offensive zone over 80 percent of the time. But if we're talking about where he's played the most? Michkov has spent 44.6 percent of his time in the defensive zone, according to NHL Edge. So yes, he's being put on the ice in largely offensive situations. It's up to him to help keep them that way.

The other argument is that he's skating with players who can't help him. It's not the worst argument, but stylistically, having the strong, defensive center and the unafraid and fearless rookie could have worked. Cates and Barkey would do all of the dirty work, and Michkov could reap the benefits. But it hasn't worked out. So that's a fair argument. Michkov isn't without blame for it, though. His linemates have at least contributed in other areas, especially offensively.

Sure, other decisions could have been made. Before Barkey scored a big goal and earned a promotion to the top line, he could've been the one scratched. Tyson Foerster hasn't produced either and could be hitting a wall after missing months due to injury. But he provides in other areas and is more versatile.

The truth hurts, but Michkov was the easy choice. It doesn't make it any less deserving. Now we'll see if this is just a one-game rest or if it turns into something more. Bump's play and the outcome of the game may decide the rest.

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