Matvei Michkov hasn't been at his best over his last few games, and now his Head Coach has opened up on why he benched him in shocking fashion.
Early in the season, Matvei Michkov was one of the top stories in the NHL, but the rookie has already been benched by the Philadelphia Flyers early in his rookie campaign.
Unfortunately for Michkov, he's slowed down after a solid start, tallying no points over his last seven games, and on Saturday against the Anaheim Ducks, John Tortorella benched the star 19-year old for the third period.
When asked about the situation, this is what the veteran Head Coach had to say about the decision he made:
It's just been a struggle, energy. The skating, energy, it's just not there. You could see him struggling before the break. If I have to take him out I will, or bench him during a period. It was my call.
Given the way Tortorella has treated young players in the past, it's no surprise that he's willing to bench Michkov whenever needed, but in this case he is 100% right, as Michkov has been labouring on the ice for the past few games in Philadelphia.
This likely isn't going to result in Michkov missing extended time, as he is still second on the team in points with 27 this year, but perhaps a game or two in the press box may be just what he needs to get back to the best that we saw from him earlier in the season.
Ultimately, this was the right move from Tortorella despite the criticism in recent years of the way he has handled young players, but as long as he continues to instil confidence in the former top draft pick, things should pan out well in Philadelphia as the years roll on and Michkov continues to grow and improve.
