Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella has to pick his battles when he has a forward with the talent of Matvei Michkov on his hands.
And there are fights he lost for good.
The famous Michigan maneuver that Michkov particularly likes, for example, is not the cup of tea of the colorful “Torts”. The Russian used it Thursday night and almost surprised Detroit Red Wings goalie Cam Talbot.
Even if Michkov had managed to score, presumably it wouldn’t have changed Tortorella’s mind. The latter will not ban Michigan, however.
“I lost the battle,” he conceded during his press briefing on Friday. I don’t think it should be in our sport, but I lost.”
However, at the start of the season, Michkov used this sleight of hand excessively.
“I talked to him about it earlier this year when he did it all the time,” said the Flyers pilot. And that always resulted in a turnaround. I want that Mich understands that he is so adept at passing the puck that he is dangerous behind the net.
“What do you want me to do? Tell him not to do it? I explained to him that other games can be made. You know what I think, but that’s it.”
The relationship between Tortorella and Michkov is much less turbulent than some might have previously suspected. Michkov didn’t appreciate being left out by his coach earlier this season, but the decision whipped him up and he’s been shining brightly ever since.
