Tocchet and Michkov are back in the spotlight as Flyers practice video fuels bullying speculation
Photo credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Tocchet and Michkov are back in the spotlight after a Rangers loss and a post-practice clip. Here is what is confirmed and what is still just chatter.
Rick Tocchet and Matvei Michkov are back at the center of the Flyers conversation, this time because of a post-practice clip some fans read as the coach pushing his winger onto the ice.
Nobody has confirmed that framing, so it is too early to call it a feud.
The timing explains the noise. Philadelphia blew a 2-1 lead in a 3-2 loss at Madison Square Garden on Thursday, with the Rangers scoring twice in 89 seconds in the third period.
It was the Flyers' fifth loss in six games.
Michkov played 15:56, was bumped to the third line and sat for long stretches late, despite being one of the team's top scorers.
Fans and media also noticed he liked social media posts about his ice time afterward.
The clip fans are talking about shows Tocchet working with Michkov after practice before pushing him down on the ice.
What the clip can and cannot show
A video shows a moment, not intent.
Extra work after practice is routine, and Tocchet and captain Sean Couturier were seen giving Michkov one-timer pointers after a training camp session this fall.
Whether this was a lesson, a message or a simple chat, the footage alone does not say.
Why the tension story keeps growing
Michkov's usage has been debated since last season.
Tocchet said in February that Michkov came into last season's camp out of shape, and Michkov sat out the final two games of last spring's first-round series.
Tocchet has since denied any bad blood, and Michkov has said he arrived this season in much better condition.
The practical issue is bigger than personality.
Philadelphia needs scoring, and Michkov is producing it, while Tocchet wants tighter defensive habits and disciplined shifts.
Those goals can coexist, but only with a clearly defined role.
How Tocchet handles the next few games will say more than any clip.
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