Flyers’ Head Coach John Tortorella had a tough weekend, well the Flyers did in general. They struggled In both of their games, following the trade deadline, that saw a flurry of trades, to include the likes of a leader in Scott Laughton.
Tortorella barely answered any questions on Saturday, following a 4-1 drubbing to the Seattle Kraken, then he got upset when he was pressed about benching Matvei Michkov for the last nine minutes of the first period in a 3-1 loss to the New Jersey Devils, “Let me tell you guys something. There are a number of things that come into play, not one specific play,” Flyers’ Head Coach said on the first period benching of Michkov yesterday. “And you are at a disadvantage because I’m not going to give you that information. It’s not always the play on the ice that I’m trying to teach.”
Tortorella continues, “So use that as a context before you start all your bulls..t. There are so many things that go on, and with me trying to develop that player. And we are going to continue to do it the way I think it should be done.”
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One of the main problems that Tortorella has with the fan base in this context is Michkov actually sells tickets in Philadelphia. Most fans are buying tickets to watch Michkov play, as most understand that the playoffs are no longer in reach. Flyers fans have been very patient with this rebuild, but they want to see Michkov play, it is simple as that, while Tortorella is thinking long-term for the development of this player and doing what is right so he won’t make the same mistake again.
The question remains, does Michkov understand what Tortorella is saying when he benches him during the game? Could he explain himself better during the intermission? These are big questions, and valid questions. If Michkov doesn’t understand what Tortorella is saying when the action is happening, then maybe it’s beneficial for him to explain it afterwards. Tortorella has been very transparent about using Egor Zamula or Ivan Fedotov as translators. He does not want to use them as a crutch, but how else would Michkov understand Tortorella during the heat of the moment!! Just food for thought, as to why Michkov should not be benched until maybe the next period.
At the end of the day, the Flyers lost 3-1 to the Devils, and are 0-4 on this current seven game home stand.
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It’s time for TORTS to go!!! His players don’t believe in his style or approach.
Have you spoken directly to the guys on the team or coaches. I doubt it.
I can’t wait for the Flyers to fire this Tortorella character! Please get rid of him. Haven’t really seen improvement with any of our young players the years he’s been here. Dick and tired of his bully ways! See Ya!!
Dick and tired? Whatever you say but Torts is allowed to bench any player he wants and doesn’t need your approval. Let Danny and Jonesy worry about how effective Torts is or isn’t.
I appreciate the read and support.
I am a Torts defender, and I agree with him that Michkov made multiple mistakes on Sunday, but what player hasn’t? Also, I think communicating with him would be more beneficial in between periods
All this b.s. on here about getting rid of Torts. What’s the matter with everyone? Last time I checked, this team is technically out of the playoffs. Since when can’t Torts bench a player? Oh, so it’s Michkov and not Poehling or Hathaway that have your wedgies cutting off your circulation. Bottom line is Danny and Keith have the final word. If anything I would have kept Kuzmenko to give Matvei a little veteran advice. Maybe he wouldn’t have sought free ageny with a young countryman to mentor. But Torts? I mean you folks really got it bad for the guy, but let’s see if management has him back next fall. Then you can p!ss and moan.
Torts needs to be kicked upstairs. It’s not his fault that the Flyers lack talent, but they also lack any passion or identity. He’s by far the most despised coach in the league.
What does Tort’s personality have to do with anything. Where is upstairs he should be kicked to? The team doesn’t lack passion solely because of him if they lack passion at all.
Losing streaks take their toll on everyone’s psyche.