Photo Credit: Our very own Michael Reaves
It has become very apparent that Matvei Michkov is struggling. Michkov is a dynamic player, and it’s tough to see him hit the rookie wall.
Michkov was formerly on a hot streak, to include winning three games in overtime. He’s been struggling the last seven games or so with no points to speak of, as he has hit the rookie wall. He will rebound, sooner rather than later, but Flyers’ Head Coach John Tortorella benched him in the third period against the Anaheim Ducks yesterday.
“It’s just been a struggle, energy. The skating, energy, it’s just not there,” Tortorella said following the game. “You could see him struggling before the break. If I have to take him out I will, or bench him during a period. It was my call.”
Tortorella has been sort of a different coach with Michkov. He doesn’t get overly frustrated, he’s patient, and he knows when to talk to him. The pair have weekly meetings with a translator present to go over things, but Tortorella also knows what type of player he will be in the future.
In Tortorella’s defense, Michkov looks to be lagging a bit. A benching isn’t far off in the future, actually I wouldn’t be surprised if it happens tonight against the Los Angeles Kings.
By no mistake am I advocating for a benching to Michkov, actually I think he should play and have the abilities to fight through his struggles. This, his struggles, are going to happen from time to time, but Michkov could stay in the lineup if he plays solid defense. That’s what Tortorella would like to see, and that could happen if he has more energy. In Michkov’s defense, he is only used to playing in 47 games like he played in the KHL.
Cutter Gauthier Booed
Cutter Gauthier was indeed booed in his home stadium. Flyers fans travel well, and it was loud too.
Gauthier was also blasted to the ice in the third period by Travis Sanheim.
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