Flyers coach John Tortorella benches Matvei Michkov after heated exchange
In what ended up as a 3-0 loss to the New York Islanders, the major talking point was a heated exchange between the pair midway through the second period.
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Growing pains are part of any relationship.
Sports are no different, as Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella and star rookie Matvei Michkov demonstrated Thursday night.
In what ended up as a 3-0 loss to the New York Islanders, the major talking point was a heated exchange between the pair midway through the second period.
Tortorella and Michkov could be seen going back and forth on the bench during a timeout with both looking to get the last word in.
The 20-year-old didn’t get back onto the ice after that, finishing the game with a career-low 8:30 of ice time. It’s now the second time in three games he’s logged less than 10 minutes of ice time.
Unsurprisingly, Tortorella was unwilling to provide specifics on the exchange when asked post-game but he did explain the decision as “trying to teach (Michkov) how things are done,” per NHL.com’s Adam Kimelman.
“You may not believe it, but it’s for the right reason because we care about him … And I’m not going to fail him by cowering away from situations that people may second guess. We’re going to it the right way with this kid, because we think he’s that special.”
Michkov has played 51 games for the Flyers this season, racking up 34 points (14 goals, 20 assists) in that span. All of which rank second on the roster while his three game-winning goals lead Philadelphia.
It hasn’t been smooth sailing of late, however, as the Russian rookie has been pointless through the team’s last five games while the Flyers have gone 1-4.
“There’s certain situations where you need to accept responsibility,” Tortorella continued. “I don’t want to get too involved in it because it’s unfair to him … this is to help him. In my heart, it’s to help him … and we’re going to continue to go through the process together.
While it’s unclear what exactly led to the benching and post-game monologuing from Tortorella, some suspect it was an ill-advised move through centre ice that left Islanders’ Simon Holmstrom open to snap in the game’s opening goal.
“You guys might think I have four heads up here when I’m sure you see what happens on the bench. That is good to me,” the Flyers bench boss explained on his communication style with players. “That is a couple of people, player and a coach, going through some conflict, but some honesty coming along with it.”
The Flyers return to action on Sunday, hoping to snap a two-game skid as they visit the Colorado Avalanche.
“(Michkov) is going to understand one way or another how we do things here, and what’s expected … accountability on the ice and the accountability of being a pro.”
