Matvei Michkov Hits a New Low in Philadelphia as John Tortorella Loses His Trust
Photo credit: YardBarker
Matvei Michkov has excelled on the ice this season, but after his latest benching, it appears the tensions continue to grow between he and coach John Tortorella.
The 2024/25 season has been full of ups and downs in Philadelphia, and although rookie sensation Matvei Michkov has played well, he's also been in John Tortorella's dog house at certain points.
That was the case again on Sunday, as Michkov was benched for nine minutes of the Flyers first period in their defeat to the New Jersey Devils, although the 20-year old would return later in the game.
When asked about it after the game, Tortorella seemed to suggest that it wasn't just about the play that forced his hand on the decision, with speculation now flying about the relationship between the two.
«Just let me tell you guys something, ok? There are a number of things that come into play, not one specific play, ok? And you are at a disadvantage because I'm not going to give you information. It's not always the play on the ice that I'm trying to teach. So use that as a context before you start all of your [expletive]. There are so many things that go on, and with me trying to develop that player, and I'm going to continue to do it the way I think it should be done."
While he made it clear that it wasn't all about the play, Tortorella did call out Michkov's effort on the ice, calling out several different things that he believed Michkov didn't do right before he was benched.
«But don't just look at the play. No, he didn't do the job as far as backchecking. No, he didn't do the job in the offensive zone, but there are a number of things that come into play. And again, I need to show you the respect that I'm not going to give you that information, and you don't realize that. So don't make a bigger deal than you think you need to.»
It's unclear what exactly Michkov has to do to get in Tortorella's good graces given that several veterans have played much worse than the rookie winger, but for now, it doesn't look like things are changing anytime soon.
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