Historic Battle: Tortorella vs the Michigan

One of the greatest battles in hockey history may be nearing an end: John Tortorella vs. the Michigan.

The Flyers Coach and his notorious traditional ways have never been a friend of the flashy side of hockey.

Many wondered how Torts would handle the first Michkov lacrosse goal or “Michigan” attempt.

His most recent reaction may have come as a surprise to some people.

Before we look at that,

Let’s look at a timeline of Michkov’s Michigan attempts:

I have scouted the internet, longer than I would’ve liked I admit, for all of the Michkov Michigan attempts I could find.

Here is everything I could find, including the result of the shot:

1. November 2021 – Michkov scores a goal in the Karjala Cup
2. November 2021- Michkov scores in a JHL game
3. February 2023- Michkov scores a goal playing for HC Sochi
4. July 2023- Michkov scores a goal in practice for SKA Saint Petersburg
5. September 2024- Michkov attempts (misses) a Michigan in an early practice with the Flyers
6. October 2024- Michkov attempts the move against the Boston Bruins
7. December 2024- The most recent attempt by Michkov, this one against the Red Wings

The point of sharing this timeline is to show that Michkov has been practicing this move for quite some time and is not going to stop anytime soon.

Notoriously against the Michigan

Torts is a traditionalist when it comes to hockey, and that is one aspect that should not be ignored.

However, this battle stems from a 2021 appearance on ESPN when the now-Flyers coach reacted to a Sonny Milano batted goal off a Michigan-style assist from Trevor Zegras.

“It’s tremendously skilled. For Sonny Milano to even yell ‘Michigan’ in the middle of a play, in a game, is a skill. That’s a skilled play. My position, though is, is it good for the game?” Torts said on ESPN. He added,  “I’m not trying to be a fool here; I’m just not so sure it’s great for the game. If you did that back in the 2000s, late 90s, you would get your head taken off. It’s cool, it’s cool to watch and all that, but I’m not so sure it’s good for the game. And I stand by that.”

While you would think Torts would give Michkov a public earful after not one but two in-game Michigan attempts, his most recent reaction may come as a surprise.

Is Torts waiving the white flag?

After Michkov attempted the Michigan against the Red Wings, Tortorella said this when asked post-game about the move:

“Yeah, I’ve lost the battle, right? I don’t think it should be in our game, but I’ve lost that battle.”

One thing is for certain: Torts will never be a fan of the flashy scoring style.

However, it sure seems like he is done fighting it. I’m fairly certain Tortorella’s conceding moment will not increase Michigan attempts from Michkov and the Flyers.

Seeing Tortorella waive the white flag is just odd, and it is one I did not expect to see during his tenure in Philly.