The Philadelphia Flyers are the worst group within the NHL. At 4-8-1, the percentages of tying a franchise file for consecutive postseason misses (5) are excessive. To get out of this gap, head coach John Tortorella felt making the league’s rookie scoring chief a wholesome scratch was the proper selection—Matvei Michkov gained’t play versus the Tampa Bay Lightning tonight on Nov. 7. He has 10 factors in 13 video games, on tempo to beat his projection of 60 factors by NHL.com’s fantasy hockey workers.
Was Michkov Scratched for His 5-on-5 Play?
Anthony SanFilippo of On Pattison rationalized the transfer with the next assertion: “His play at 5-on-5 has not been good for some time.” So, with that being mentioned, let’s take a look at Michkov’s 5-on-5 play with information courtesy of Pure Stat Trick. Does that justify this resolution?
John Tortorella simply advised reporters in Tampa Bay that Matvei Michkov might be a wholesome scratch tonight towards the Lightning. His play at 5-on-5 has not been good for some time. Torts really confirmed some actual endurance ready til Sport 14, to be trustworthy. #LetsGoFlyers
— Anthony SanFilippo (@AntSanPhilly) November 7, 2024
Over the previous 5 video games, this declare has some validity—Michkov hasn’t performed notably nicely. Per 60 minutes, he has generated simply 1.54 anticipated objectives and sacrificed 2.87 anticipated objectives. He has been outscored 3-0 total. Nonetheless, his veteran teammate, Travis Konecny, has had the identical points (1.58 anticipated objectives to 2.93 anticipated objectives allowed per 60). Actually, the entire group is in a rut. Solely Nicolas Deslauriers has an anticipated objectives share (xGF%) above 45.0 within the final 5 contests, nonetheless sitting at a lowly 45.6 p.c. The Flyers have been getting dominated.
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This highlights the principle subject right here, and it’s sadly one thing Tortorella was responsible of in 2023-24 to some extent. He takes issues out on his youthful gamers, even when the veteran leaders are struggling as a lot or extra. For higher or worse, the Flyers could have objectively decrease odds to win their subsequent hockey sport.
Shifting to a unique mannequin, Evolving-Hockey, Michkov’s total play at 5-on-5 has really been terrific this season total. His on-ice taking pictures share nonetheless leaves lots to be desired (a statistic largely out of his management), however his likelihood era has been very good. Amongst Flyer forwards, he’s first in anticipated objectives per 60 (3.25) and second in xGF% (52.4). Although his defensive metrics haven’t been nice, they’re nonetheless higher than Konecny, Bobby Brink, and Noah Cates when taking a look at anticipated objectives towards per 60.
As well as, Michkov is in the 58th percentile for his share of even-strength ice time within the defensive zone (40.3 p.c) on a foul possession group. The Orange and Black have been getting crushed except for odd-man conditions, but their strategy is benching one of many gamers who has confirmed he can mitigate this subject. Frankly, it doesn’t make a lot sense if that is the angle Tortorella goes for.
What to Make of Tortorella
Followers should not pleased with Tortorella, and so they have a cause to be upset. Honestly, I by no means thought this present day would come—he has all the time been a bit biased to his most worthwhile offensive gamers. That has remained true to this present day, as Owen Tippett is without doubt one of the least environment friendly shooters within the NHL and has not been benched whereas Konecny, who has had his highs, has additionally had his lows. Clearly, Michkov hasn’t earned that kind of respect but.
It might be rash to fireside a coach as a result of they made one unpopular lineup resolution, however it’s value speaking about Tortorella’s future in Philadelphia. How lengthy does he have? Is it helpful to maintain him round?
As a member of the Orange and Black, Tortorella has missed the playoffs twice in two full seasons and appears poised to overlook them once more. He sits at a subpar 73-79-25 file with the group, by no means profitable extra video games than he misplaced in a marketing campaign so far. Due to a scarcity of expertise, the Flyers have been low-event since he took over and haven’t precisely offered probably the most thrilling product even for a diehard supporter. Probably isolating informal followers, the higher-ups could also be trying elsewhere for his or her coach of the long-term future.
All of that is following a 25-second postgame interview after a 6-4 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on Nov. 5. Lately, he has given numerous one-word solutions to questions from reporters, indicating his frustrations. No one is joyful proper now. When no one is joyful, adjustments are made. It’s exhausting to see him on the new seat when his group isn’t performing that a lot decrease than it was designed to, however he’s teaching in a sports activities metropolis that desires outcomes. At 66 years of age and having two years left on his contract, it’s not precisely like his leash was very lengthy, to start with.
Tortorella mentioned of the matter, “It’s simply a part of the method. […] With younger guys, they will watch video games, too, so far as improvement. It’s attempting to assist him.” The entrance workplace might again him on this daring transfer, however will the finger be pointed at him if the group’s points proceed? Proper now, it’s not possible to say.
Michkov had some extent in his final contest. Relaxation assured, he gained’t be sitting for lengthy. However this does convey up a couple of conversations. The highway that lies forward for the Flyers is an entire thriller, even perhaps to those that have decision-making energy. In the event that they hold dropping and put unfavourable press on high of that, adjustments could possibly be made.
