‘I’m not going to fail him’: Flyers’ John Tortorella after benching Matvei Michkov

Despite benching the budding star, Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella says he has Matvei Michkov’s best interests at heart.

Facing the Metropolitan Division rival New York Islanders on Thursday, the Flyers rookie forward was limited to 8:30 in ice time and was benched after the midway mark of the second period after his poor defensive coverage led to the game-opening goal by Islanders right winger Simon Holmstrom.

“Like I’ve said all along here with [Michkov], we are so far ahead of the process with him being here this year, and that continues even tonight, with tonight’s process,” Tortorella told reporters following the 3-0 home ice loss. “We’re trying to teach him how things are done here, the things of understanding conduct of a pro, all the things you do to play.

“You may not believe it, but it’s for the right reason, because we care about him. I care about him and where he is in the process, how far along he is in the process. I am not going to fail him by cowering away from situations that people may second guess or whatever it may be. We’re going to do it the right way with this kid because we think he is that special. It’s my job to do that, no matter what happens.”

Originally chosen seventh overall by the Flyers in the 2023 NHL Draft, through 51 appearances this season Michkov has collected 14 goals and 20 assists for 34 points to sit second in team scoring and five points shy of Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson for top spot among NHL freshmen.

For the Flyers, the club sits 23-24-6 on the season and five points back of the Columbus Blue Jackets for the second wildcard seed in the Eastern Conference. Philadelphia last participated in the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2020.