Flyers tension boils over as Michkov and Konecny clash on bench during loss
Photo credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
A clip from the Flyers' loss to the Wild shows Michkov and Konecny clashing on the bench, the latest sign of tension around Philadelphia's young winger.
A clip from the Flyers' 4-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild shows Matvei Michkov and Travis Konecny going at each other on the bench, in a week already full of Philadelphia locker-room questions.
The game was rough all around. The Flyers trailed 3-0 early in the second period, and Minnesota added an empty-netter late.
Michkov had an assist and a team-high four shots in 16:20, while Konecny played 20:56 without a shot and finished minus-2.
What set the moment off is unclear, and teammates snapping at each other during a loss is not unusual. The timing is what gives it weight.
Bench Flashpoints Keep Piling Up
Against the Rangers, Konecny appeared to bang his stick on the boards when Michkov stretched a shift, and Michkov reportedly sat for a long stretch afterward.
On Monday in Vancouver, cameras caught Michkov in a heated exchange with Nick Seeler, and teammates calmed him down. The Flyers won 3-1.
Then ESPN's Kevin Weekes reported Tuesday that Michkov would likely want a new start elsewhere.
On Wednesday, general manager Danny Brière said the report was not correct after speaking with Michkov and his agent, and called the winger part of the solution.
For now, it remains an unconfirmed report the team has denied.
What It Means for Tocchet
Michkov has a point in nine of Philadelphia's last 12 games, with eight goals and four assists, yet the Flyers have only five wins through 20 games.
When their hottest scorer and a trusted veteran clash on camera, Rick Tocchet has to manage more than ice time, because shifts, benchings and messaging all become part of the story.
One clip does not prove a rift, but it adds to a pattern Brière and Tocchet will keep being asked about.
A few more wins would quiet most of it.
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