Sean Couturier has proven to be steady, while doing the little things right throughout the course of the season. Yes his offensive game may not be where once was a few years ago, but his presence on the ice is being felt by the youth, most notably Matvei Michkov. He is the first one of the first players on ice at practice, and one of the last ones to leave it.
What hasn’t been seen by the naked eye is that Couturier has taken Matvei Michkov under his way, providing excellent leadership for this young man.
Flyers’ Head Coach John Tortorella said yesterday in his pregame presser that Sean Couturier likes talking and explaining stuff to Matvei Michkov. Tortorella will try to correct Matvei on the bench or off the ice, but Coots interrupts Tortorella and says that he will explain it to him.
Coots has become a mentor for the young, talented, Michkov.
Couturier has been a leader on and off the ice, teaching the youth how to win faceoffs, teaching the youth how to become better pros, teaching the youth to become a bit more selfless. That is who he is, a leader. Many players have spoken out in favor of Couturier, while calling him a leader in the same token.
Again, he may not be the same player he once was, but Couturier is the same person he once was. Couturier has been benched at times for rest purposes, and he has been pretty even keel about it. This is what a leader does, especially with taking Michkov under his wing. Michkov is a big piece to the future, and Couturier knows that.
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