Tortorella on Michkov Benching: ‘There Are a Number of Things That Come Into Play’

The Flyers lost to the New Jersey Devils for their fourth straight loss on Sunday afternoon. It also dropped them to 0-4-0 on the current seven-game homestand.

In Sunday’s loss, the story surrounded the first New Jersey goal, which came at 11:10 of the first period. Cody Glass scored after getting a fortunate bounce, but it was the backcheck, particularly by Matvei Michkov, that drew attention. After the goal, Michkov did not play for the remaining 8:50 of the first period in a clear benching.

It’s not the first time Michkov has been sat down this season in a teaching situation by head coach John Tortorella, but it’s always going to grab attention and headlines. This is the Flyers headlining player, even at just 20 years old and in his rookie season. Fans have gravitated to him and his potential as the rebuild comes along, the clear player the team is building around. So naturally, there is frustration when Michkov doesn’t play.

This is especially true now. After the Flyers were sellers at the deadline and as they are mired in a losing streak, the playoffs are not going to be in the cards for a fifth straight season. At this point, the remaining games on the schedule are all about further development.

Michkov did return to play the remainder of the game, but the decision to bench him for the rest of the first period was still the story of the game. After the game, Tortorella took two questions regarding this decision. He cut the second one off.

“Just let me tell you guys something, ok? There are a number of things that come into play, not one specific play, ok? And you are at a disadvantage because I’m not going to give you information,” Tortorella said. “It’s not always the play on the ice that I’m trying to teach. So use that as a context before you start all of your [expletive]. There are so many things that go on, and with me trying to develop that player, and I’m going to continue to do it the way I think it should be done.

“But don’t just look at the play. No, he didn’t do the job as far as backchecking. No, he didn’t do the job in the offensive zone, but there are a number of things that come into play. And again, I need to show you the respect that I’m not going to give you that information, and you don’t realize that. So don’t make a bigger deal than you think you need to.”

Michkov has been a healthy scratch for two games this season. On Jan. 30 against the Islanders, he did not play the final 9:58 of the second period and all of the third period. On Jan. 27 against the Devils, Michkov did not play the final 13:04 of the third period. On Dec. 28 against the Ducks, Michkov sat out the entire third period. Those are the only three games where Michkov has not broken 10 minutes of ice time this season.

Meanwhile, the Flyers get back on the ice on Tuesday night to continue the homestand against the Ottawa Senators.

Kevin Durso is Flyers insider for 97.3 ESPN. Follow him on social media @Kevin_Durso.