John Tortorella Surrenders to Michkov On Michigan Goal Battle

2 days ago  /  NHL Trade Rumors

In the battle of crusty vs. creativity, Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella admits defeat. The 'crusty' coach's ongoing frustration with young star Matvei Michkov's propensity to try the creative 'Michigan goal' has left him exasperated and waving the white flag. But not without saying that he'd like to see the flashy play eliminated from the game.“I’ve lost the battle…I don’t think it should be in our game.”Torts on Michkov’s Michigan attempts. pic.twitter.com/VXB7Fr3Lj9— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) December 13, 2024 “I’ve lost the battle…I don’t think it should be in our game, but I've lost that battle. I have talked to him early in the year when he was doing it every time, and it was just turnovers. The thing I want Mich to understand is, he's such a good player in moving the puck and passing the puck. When he's behind the net he's dangerous to make plays."The Russian star rookie tried the lacrosse-style goal from behind the net once again on Thursday night, but to no avail.signing water bottles, attempting the michigan, all while playing for torts… michkov is gonna be a rock star pic.twitter.com/pyiz5ATtWI— Liam McHugh (@liam_mchugh) December 13, 2024 He's tried it several times this year, and this time came awfully close.  "What am I gonna do, say 'Don't do it?'," asked Tortorella incredulously. "What I need him to understand is that there are other plays to be made there, too... I've lost the damn battle with that, and I'm not gonna try to fight it... I don't think it should be in our game, but it is what it is."The coach may have a point... Just let the kid play. The newly-minted 20-year-old now has 11 goals and 27 points in 29 games in his first NHL season. But even better, in the 16 games since Tortorella taught him a lesson by making him a healthy scratch, Michkov has 7 goals and 10 assists for 17 points, with a plus/minus rating of +11. With numbers like that from a rookie, maybe Torts is learning to live with a little flash over substance once in a while. Photo: © Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images...

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