Philadelphia Flyers
Flyers Coach, Matvei Michkov Tipped for Success by Former NHLer
Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella and his newest protege, Russian sensation Matvei Michkov, are the talk of the town heading into the 2024-25 NHL season.
Flyers general manager Danny Briere predicted some “fireworks” between Tortorella and Michkov, as the forecast suggests that the two hyper-competitive professionals will inevitably clash at some point.
Briere simply feels that the fiery Tortorella aims only to make his players better versions of themselves on and off the ice.
Former Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Adam Clendening, who now plays in the KHL for Chinese outfit Kunlun Red Star, is backing Tortorella and Michkov to have successful days ahead with the Flyers.
“I don’t know this hockey player at all, I’ve never played against him, I haven’t seen him in action. But Torts is a great coach,” said Clendening, who played under Tortorella in the 2018-19 season. “He coached many great Russian hockey players, Bob (Sergei Bobrovsky), (Artemi Panarin). And they had several successful seasons under his guidance. Again, I don’t know Michkov at all, but I’m sure Torts will make sure he achieves success.”
Clendening only played under Tortorella for four games during his brief stint with the Blue Jackets, but his comments go to show how much of a positive impression the gruff Stanley Cup-winning coach can make on open-minded players.
Bobrovsky, who was once a Flyers goalie, spent his last four years in Columbus playing for Tortorella. ‘Bob’ led the NHL in save percentage (.931) and GAA (2.06) with Tortorella’s Blue Jackets in 2015-16, in addition to being named an NHL All-Star, a Hart Trophy finalist, and a Vezina Trophy winner.
He also led the NHL in shutouts in the 2018-19 season, racking up nine.
Panarin, who only played under Tortorella for two years, established career-highs in points (82, then 87) in back-to-back seasons in 2017-18 and 2018-19.
The 66-year-old bench boss described Panarin in February as “. . . the best player I’ve seen play tired,” when comparing him to Flyers forward Travis Konecny. And what is that indicative of? Maximum effort and the will to win games.
After some time, Briere, the Flyers, and Clendening won’t be the only ones who believe in a Michkov-Tortorella partnership in Philly.
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Saw Briere comments on news last night . Said he’s very smart , has a good brain and creativity . Sounded like a description of Paul kariya creativity wise to me .
Briere also said he may start slow but will pick up . So let’s give him a break and give him his rookie year
Briere also said that he’s anticipates he’s going to be good in high traffic eventually . That’s exactly what you want in playoffs from your top sniper wing . His description sounds ALoT like his fellow countrymen kaprizov and kucherov which would be perfect.
let’s give drysdale and michkov space this year . Michkov especially , it’s a tough league for rookies
One plus for Michkov, as he transcends into the NHL……he is played against and practiced with the big boys in the KHL for two seasons, probably that league is the second best league in the world after the NHL. I think after a brief learning and adaptation period, he will shine.