John Tortorella Admits defeat in constant battle with superstar rookie Matvei Michkov
Matvei Michkov is one of the most talented young players in the NHL, and now his Head Coach has admitted defeat on a battle over the iconic Michigan goal.
When 2023 seventh overall draft pick Matvei Michkov arrived in Philadelphia this off-season, the hype was real, and through 28 games of his career, he's shown that he's ready to be a genuine star in the league already.
However, many fans were worried about how he would be handled by veteran coach John Tortorella, who made it clear from the outset that he was going to try and mold Michkov into his style of player.
One thing that he hasn't been able to stop however is the star Russian's use of the Michigan, something he admits that he's been fighting Michkov on from the moment he arrived in Philadelphia.
Now, the veteran Head Coach has officially admitted defeat, revealing that while he's tried to steer Michkov away from it, instead suggesting he makes smarter decisions, he simply can't stop him from trying it.
Yeah I've lost the battle, right? I don't think it should be in our game but I've lost the battle. I have talked to him early in the year when he was doing it every time, it was just turnovers. The thing I want Mich to understand is, he's such a good player moving the puck and passing the puck, when he's being net, he's dangerous to make plays.
What am I going to do, say don't do it? What I did say was I said was that you need to understand there are other plays to be made there too, because a number of the times he tried it, all there were were turnovers. So yeah, I think I've lost the damn battle with that, I'm not going to try to fight it.
I don't think it should be in our game, but it is what it is.
What am I going to do, say don't do it? What I did say was I said was that you need to understand there are other plays to be made there too, because a number of the times he tried it, all there were were turnovers. So yeah, I think I've lost the damn battle with that, I'm not going to try to fight it.
I don't think it should be in our game, but it is what it is.
This comes just moments after Michkov attempted it once again, and while he did it perfectly, it was saved at the last moment.
While Tortorella has made it clear he's not a fan of the move, this younger generation simply loves it, and as long as Michkov continues his production and plays hard on both ends, it's safe to say that he'll remain a fan favorite in Philly.
| POLL | ||
Will Matvei Michkov win the Calder Trophy in 2024/25? | ||
| Yes | 38 | 58.5 % |
| No | 27 | 41.5 % |
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