Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella's decision to scratch Matvei Michkov for their game against the Tampa Bay Lightning has ignited a predictable wave of fan reactions, with some crying foul over the benching of the young superstar.
Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella's decision to scratch Matvei Michkov for their game against the Tampa Bay Lightning has ignited a predictable wave of fan reactions, with some crying foul over the benching of the young superstar.
Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella's decision to scratch Matvei Michkov for their game against the Tampa Bay Lightning has ignited a predictable wave of fan reactions, with some crying foul over the benching of the young superstar.
Yet, when looked at closely, this move by Tortorella isn't a slight—it's a lesson, a standard practice for young players on a learning curve. The response verges on hyperbolic, as if Michkov's night off signals a grave error in his development, but the reality couldn't be more different.
In truth, scratching Michkov is a calculated, thoughtful decision meant to help him grow into a more complete player, not an abandonment of his potential.
Standard Practice, Not Punishment
Benching young players, especially those fresh to the NHL, is a common tool coaches use to give them perspective on the game's flow, structure, and demands without the immediate pressure to perform.
For Michkov, watching from the sidelines offers a chance to observe how plays develop, where his teammates position themselves, and how they handle situational awareness in real time. This is a valuable opportunity for a young player still getting immersed in the North American game.
Flyers GM Danny Briere has emphasized that Michkov will receive no special treatment, saying back in July, "We don't have anyone like him in the organization, as far as a player, as far as the skill level, [but] he's got a lot to learn, and he's not going to be put above anybody else."
It's important to note that Tortorella's stance isn't about disciplining Michkov; it's about maintaining a standard of accountability that applies to every player in the locker room, no matter their talent or potential—and that coaching style is one that Briere believed would benefit the 19-year-old winger.
"That's one of the things I'm most excited about—the chance for Matvei to learn from a coach like Torts," he said in the same July press conference. "I know he's going to coach him the right way, just like he does everybody else, and he's going to be tough on him, he's going to be fair, and he's going to teach him the right way. That's the best news out of all this—he's going to come here and nothing's going to be given to him, he has to earn it. Knowing how competitive we've been told he is, it's going to be great, it's going to be fun."
This approach is fair and consistent, and it's the foundation of a team-first culture. Treating Michkov differently or exempting him from the same expectations as his teammates would set a double standard and send the wrong message to the team and to Michkov himself.
Better Every Day
A key point that fand should keep in mind is that Michkov's drive and willingness to develop are some of his most valuable assets. He's not a player who crumbles under tough coaching; he's a sponge for instruction and has an insatiable appetite for improvement. Michkov has shown he's highly coachable, embracing each challenge with determiantion rather than frustration.
When young players like Michkov face struggles—whether in 5-on-5 play, defensive reads, or any other part of their game—time off the ice can become a constructive part of their development. Michkov isn't going to sulk or let this benching weigh him down; instead, he'll likley come back more focused, applying the insights he gained by watching to his on-ice performance. For a young, intensely ambitious player, a healthy dose of patience paired with this kind of teaching moment can spark valuable improvements.
Misdirected Fan Reaction
The criticism over Michkov's benching reflects a tendency to demand instant results, especially from highly-touted young players. Ironically, many of the same voices calling for his immediate return were also expressing concerns about his recent struggles, especially in 5-on-5 play. It seems many onlookers are forgetting that development isn't linear, and young players like Michkov are bound to experience ebbs and flows as they adjust to the NHL.
Benching a player for a single game does not erase their potential or indicate that the organization has lost faith. It's a momentary pause, a strategic reset that can often prevent bad habits from taking hold or alleviate pressure that could stymie a player's growth.
Tortorella's decision is grounded in an understanding of what Michkov needs long-term, rather than a knee-jerk reaction to a few subpar shifts or games.
It's important to remember that Tortorella is no stranger to managing young, high-potential players, and he knows the fine balance between tough love and encouragement, and if he sees value in giving Michkov a night to recalibrate, then there's likely merit to it.
In the end, Michkov's benching is a strategic move by the Flyers, not an indictment of his abilities or potential. This decision is hard to watch for some because it feels like a step back for a teenager that many still herald as the Flyers' "savior" (despite the numerous times the organization has disspelled the use of that title). But true development is often a stepwise journey, and sometimes stepping back or pausing to reset is exactly what a player needs.
The Flyers have every reason to believe that Michkov will come out of this experience with renewed focus and determination. In the big picture, the coaching staff's decision to sit him reflects a commitment to shaping a well-rounded, resilient, and adaptable player—exactly the kind of player who will thrive long-term. Michkov's journey, like those of countless young stars before him, will have its challenges and its learning moments, and this is just one of those steps.
If anything, Michkov's night on the bench is a sign that he's being taken seriously as a key piece of the Flyers' future, one they're committed to guiding wisely, not rushing out of impatience. The dedication to Michkov's growth should be seen as something positive, not an indicator that the apocalypse is coming.
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