Rick Tocchet said what Flyers fans needed to hear after Porter Martone's debut

Tuesday night was probably one of the most anticipated nights of the season for the Philadelphia Flyers -- and unexpectedly so. Not only did they have a chance to gain ground in the Eastern Conference playoff race, but Philadelphia fans also got to see the debut of top prospect Porter Martone.

After signing his entry-level contract on Sunday, Martone was cleared to play in Tuesday's game against the Washington Capitals.

Even though the Flyers lost 6-4 to the Capitals, bringing an end to their three-game winning streak, Martone team-high five shots on goal (although he didn't get the first points of his career). The rookie also had one takeaway and one giveaway in 16:54 of ice time.

After the game, head coach Rick Tocchet was asked to give his assessment of Martone's debut. Tocchet said that he liked Martone's game and that it will only be a matter of time before he scores his first goal.

Rick Tocchet says of Porter Martone debut: 'You can tell he's got it'

"I told him to relax early on. He almost scored there after the second, and then he had about three or four chances. He's going to score. You can tell he's got it. Listen, he's had a whirlwind the last week and I liked this game," said Tocchet.

It's only Martone's first game, so there is still plenty of room for him to grow. But Tocchet was seriously impressed by what the rookie can bring.

Martone's first shot on net was nearly a goal, as he stood in front of the crease, and received a behind the back pass from Matvei Michkov. Martone had the puck on his stick, but was unable to get it past Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson. It was an incredibly solid goal opportunity for his first shot on goal.

Martone said that he felt he was getting better as the game went on.

"I felt like it took a couple shifts to get my feet wet," said Martone. "You are adjusting to the NHL speed, NHL level. But I thought when the game went on, I think our line created some good momentum and got one there early in the third and I think just got better after that."

Martone had quite the week. Before signing his entry level contract, Martone was in the middle of the NCAA Tournament with Michigan State. The Spartans had a chance to make the Frozen Four as the third ranked team in the tournament. Unfortunately for them, they lost 4-3 in overtime to Wisconsin. This happened after the Spartans led 3-1 with less than five minutes left in regulation.

Shortly after the loss, Martone moved on to sign with the Flyers, looking to get going right away. It only took a day for him to secure a spot in the lineup for his first NHL game.

Martone felt he had a good game, and Tocchet feels the same way. Given the chances he got, it may only be a matter of time until Martone puts the puck in the back of the net for the first time in his Flyers debut. His next opportunity will come on Thursday when the Flyers face the Detroit Red Wings, who the Flyers are competing with for a playoff spot.