Flyers HC John Tortorella makes his thoughts on Matvei Michkov’s Michigan attempt very clear 

By ARJUN B

Modified Dec 14, 2024 03:06 GMT

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Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella made his thoughts clear on rookie Matvei Michkov's Michigan goal attempt during the team's 4-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday night.

When asked about the flashy 20-year-old Russian forward trying the iconic move yet again, Tortorella admitted he has given up trying to discourage it.

"I've lost the battle...I don't think it should be in our game, but I've lost that battle," Tortorella said. "I've talked to him early in the year when he was doing it every time, it was just turnovers.

Tortorella went on to explain that while he can't stop Michkov from attempting it, he wants the rookie to understand he has other effective options when handling the puck below the goal line.

"The thing I want Mich[kov] to understand is, he's such a good player moving a puck and passing a puck, when he's behind the net, he's dangerous to make plays.

“So, what am I gonna say, don't do it? I've lost the damn battle with that, I'm not gonna try to fight it," he added.

Matvei Michkov has tried the tricky Michigan move during preseason and early regular season games. While flashy when successful, the unconventional shot also carries risks, as Tortorella noted.

"I don't come off with how I feel about it, I think it should not be in our game, but it is what it is," the veteran coach said.

With 11 goals and 27 points through his first 28 NHL games, Matvei Michkov sits second in Flyers scoring behind Travis Konecny.

Fans react to John Tortorella's comments on Matvei Michkov’s Michigan attempt

Tortorella's comments about Michkov's attempted Michigan move have sparked reactions from hockey fans online. Many agreed with Tortorella's stance, praising him for calling it out.

One fan said on X/Twitter:

"Kind of agree with him myself."

Another fan wrote:

"My new hero. Never liked him. Now I do. No Michigans. Mockery of the game."

Here are some more reactions from fans on X:

"Give torts credit, he evolved to stay relevant and stay in the league. Can think of a few guys that didn't that are sitting at home," one fan wrote.

"This is hilarious. Torts tells him to stop it numerous times…and the Russian keeps trying Michigan’s and signing water bottles on his way getting kicked out lololol," another fan said.

"Agree 200% with Torts! Out of the game with this Michigan BS," one fan commented.

"It’s such a low percentage play not shocked he doesn’t like it. Plenty of other better plays to make behind the net," a fan added.

Michov and Co. face the Minnesota Wild next at Xcel Energy Center. on Saturday.