Rick Tocchet shuts down reporters after uncomfortable Matvei Michkov questions
Photo credit: NBC Sports Philadelphia
Philadelphia Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet shut down a reporter's question about sophomore forward Matvei Michkov after the two of them were seen in a heated conversation in Saturday's game against the divisional foe New York Rangers.
Even though the Philadelphia Flyers lost 5-4 in a shootout to the divisional foe New York Rangers on Saturday, much of the discussion was about the interaction between head coach Rick Tocchet and sophomore forward Matvei Michkov.
After today's practice, Tocchet fielded questions from media but immediately brushed off a question about the interaction with Michkov, saying he didn't want to answer any further questions on the subject and that the interaction wasn't anything serious.
«We're 17-10, we have a good record. I've answered six Michkov questions [this morning]. I mean, enough is enough
Happens all the time... It wasn't even an argument. It was about when he should switch with (Denver) Barkey.
We got Vladar having a great year. Drysdale playing really good 5 on 5. Yorkie's doing a really good job. We've got a lot of other players playing a good team game. You're trying to make something that it's not. He's got to learn. And he's trying. He's a lot better defensively. He's a lot better playing a team game. That's how we win hockey games. It's not about catering to one person, I hate to tell you guys - Rick Tocchet
Happens all the time... It wasn't even an argument. It was about when he should switch with (Denver) Barkey.
We got Vladar having a great year. Drysdale playing really good 5 on 5. Yorkie's doing a really good job. We've got a lot of other players playing a good team game. You're trying to make something that it's not. He's got to learn. And he's trying. He's a lot better defensively. He's a lot better playing a team game. That's how we win hockey games. It's not about catering to one person, I hate to tell you guys - Rick Tocchet
So far in his second year in the NHL, Michkov has 19 points (8G, 11A) in 34 games played.
Matvei Michkov Is Playing In His Second Year In The NHL With The Flyers
Michkov, who was taken with the seventh overall pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft by the Flyers, is playing in his second year in the NHL.
During his rookie season, he was a candidate for the Calder Trophy, but often clashed with now-former head coach John Tortorella, who was terminated near the end of last season. He was replaced by Tocchet.
Michkov will also be in need of a new contract before long, as next season will be the last of his three-year entry level contract.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 22|472 ANSWERS Rick Tocchet shuts down reporters after uncomfortable Matvei Michkov questions Do you think Michkov will be a bust? | ||
| Yes | 231 | 48.9 % |
| No | 241 | 51.1 % |
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