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Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet takes a dig at star forward Matvei Michkov for being out of shape
Photo credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Rick Tocchet, head coach of the divisional foe Philadelphia Flyers, called out Russian-born second year forward Matvei Michkov for having arrived at training camp in September in poor shape.
The ice time for second year Philadelphia Flyers forward Matvei Michkov dropped to a season-low on Saturday, as he played barely over 10 minutes in their OT loss to the Los Angeles Kings.
Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet, who is in his first year behind the bench as coach of the franchise he played for during his playing career, recently addressed Michkov's ice time and said that he initially arrived at training camp in September in poor shape, and it's been downhill since then.
We've talked about it, and I'll be very frank, I'm a very frank guy, I go down swinging. Matvei did not come into camp in shape, and it's hard to play yourself into shape. I have not told him or any of our players, 'Take a guy one on one, come out of the corner with the puck, make a play on the rush.' He's having a tough time in those situations.....we're trying to get him to that level. Practice, make sure you're on time for treatments. - Rick Tocchet
So far this year, Michkov has 28 points (13G, 15A) in 53 games, a far cry from the 63 points (26G, 37A) he produced last year as a rookie.
Matvei Michkov Clashed Often With Ex-Flyers Coach John Tortorella
During the first 3/4 of his rookie year, Michkov played under John Tortorella, known as one of the most fiery coaches in the NHL during his career.
The two of them often clashed with one another, but after Tortorella was fired near the end of the season, Michkov only had good things to say about him.
We have a great relationship, even despite what happened there. It all happened during the game. I understand, and he understands, that everything is based on emotions, and in some moments, he couldn't control his emotions, I couldn't control mine, and we told each other face to face. - Matvei Michkov
Over the next few months, it will be interesting to see if Michkov figures things out in Philly or if a change of scenery is needed.
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| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 1|76 ANSWERS Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet takes a dig at star forward Matvei Michkov for being out of shape Will Matvei Michkov eventually request a trade from the Flyers? | ||
| Yes | 65 | 85.5 % |
| No | 11 | 14.5 % |
| List of polls | ||