More Tough Love: Tortorella Benches His Rookie, Again

After Sunday’s loss, Flyers head coach John Tortorella was asked a question about his decision to bench Matvei Michkov  through the end of the first period. A reporter began to ask if this was similar to Michkov’s last benching, where Tortorella openly admitted he would likely do things differently if he could do it again.

Before the question could be finished, Tortorella said this:

“There are a number of things that come into play, not one specific play, okay? 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 your bulls–. There are so many things that go on with me trying to develop that player, and I’m going to continue to do it the way I think it should be done. But don’t just look at the play. No, he didn’t do the job as far as back checking. No, he didn’t do the job in the offensive zone, but there are a number of other things that come into play. And again, I need to show you (the media) the respect; I’m not going to give you that information, you don’t realize that.”

Read More: Flyers Unable to Complete Third Period Comeback, Lose 3-1

Gut Reaction

Personally, I see no reason to bench Michkov, but hey, I am not coaching my 22nd NHL season.

To me, beating the drum that Michkov has to develop a defensive game is a moot point. He was never supposed to be a backchecker. He is an offensive-minded player, and he is a damn good one at that. Michkov is already seeing minimal ice time, especially compared to other rookies. The most comparable of all the rookies is Macklin Celebrini, who has over 30 minutes more time on ice, in seven fewer games. He averages more than three minutes less per game than Celebrini does, yet his numbers are still the same.

I understand that Tortorella has a plan. I don’t have to agree with it to know that he does. Honestly, I like the fact that he does not shy away from his plan.

Michkov is an exciting young player and one of three players on the team with legitimate offensive explosiveness. Defense never is and never was going to be a part of his game. I don’t see the need to bench him, especially while down a goal, regardless of whether it was his fault or not. You want to see the young star develop into the best possible player–I do not think this is the way.

Yes, he only sat for just under nine minutes—not the whole game. That is a step, but I still don’t think it is the right way. Personally, I would rather see how he responds than let him sit there and think about his mistake.

One thing to keep in mind: Tortorella was eerily vague. He left a little too much to the eye of the beholder–or ears in this case. Maybe Michkov did respond but it was verbal, and that was what led to him sitting. Maybe he didn’t show enough emotion after making a critical error. We will never know; Tortorella surely wanted to keep it that way.

In my opinion, he left a little too much up to speculation. However, one thing remains clear from yet another odd situation: Tortorella continues to give tough love to his rookie.