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Michkov Benched as Flyers Suffer Second Straight Shut Out

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Philadelphia Flyers forward Matvei Michkov pursues Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard
Chicago Blackhawks' Connor Bedard, right, skates past Philadelphia Flyers' Matvei Michkov during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

The Philadelphia Flyers were shut out for the second time in as many games in what may have been the most dysfunctional hockey game I have ever watched. The New York Islanders left Philadelphia with a 3-0 win Thursday night. With the loss, the Flyers fell to 23-24-6.



In a night overconsumed by trade rumors swirling around the Wells Fargo Center, it is easy to let the fact that Matvei Michkov was benched after the Islanders’ first score. Michkov left the Flyers defensive zone early before Simon Holmstrom’s game-opening score. He was then seen getting into an emotional argument with John Tortorella on the bench after the play.

Michkov did not take a shift in the game after that moment.

“You (the media) may not believe it, but it’s (Michkov’s benching) for the right reason,” Tortorella said. “We care about him, I care about him… we’re going to do this the right way with kid because we think he is special. It is my job to do that no matter what happens.” 

Owen Tippett was already injured, and Morgan Frost was pulled from the lineup mid-game–the Flyers were dragging. Michkov’s benching was just another ill-timed aspect of Thursday’s game.

Back-to-Back Shut Outs

The Flyers were shut out in back-to-back games and have now scored one or fewer goals in four of their last five games. They have seemingly found themselves in an inopportune offensive rut.

With four games to go before the Four Nations Face-Off break, the Flyers will face the Avalance and Utah Hockey Club on the road, then wrap it up with the Capitals and Penguins at home. Now is not the time for the Flyers to be lacking goals.

Flyers’ alternate captain Scott Laughton said the Flyers had a lot of things to look back on as to why they weren’t scoring. “I thought Sorokin saw the puck way too much tonight. (We) didn’t get enough traffic on him. He’s an elite goalie. When you don’t get traffic on them. It’s tough to score, especially from where we’re shooting.”

The Flyers will have a few days to figure out their offensive woes before their next contest.

What’s Next for the Flyers

The Flyers don’t play again until Sunday when they travel to Colorado to take on the Avalanche with a 3 P.M. EST puck drop.

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Denis

Team is unwatchable lately!

Jstripsky

Penguins fan who shares your pain. Staying up late and watching lazy play resulting in losses at Anaheim, Seattle and SanJose is demoralizing.

Not Offsides

I’m starting to wonder if the players are this bad or if Torts’ defending-first approach is inhibiting their offense. Michkov just looks like he’s been stymied offensively. Not happy at all with this season; players are regressing.

Jddunion@hotmail.com

Trade Tortorella

HabsRocket

Telling the coach to F/O after you blow a basic defensive play is not conducive to more time on ice… no matter who you are, crazy that may sound to some fans…

Not Offsides

True, but if it comes down to Tortorella or Michkov, guess who’s going.

ERED

Torts is a dinosaur and if he keeps treating his players like this, he will lose the room

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