Hockey

New coach: Matvei Michkov wants “more playing time and not to feel restricted”
Charles-Alexis Brisebois
New coach: Matvei Michkov wants “more playing time and not to feel restricted”
Credit: Getty Images

In Philly, Matvei Michkov is always going to get a bit of attention for all the wrong reasons. And I'm not necessarily talking about his off-ice situation: I'm talking about hockey in general.

And here's another example.

He gave an interview to RG Media's Sergey Demidov, in which he spoke at length about the situation behind the Flyers' bench. Read it here, for those interested.

What's worth mentioning, right off the bat, is that throughout the interview, he sang John Tortorella's praises. He's glad he was his first NHL coach.

But he was quick to pass on a message to his next coach, Rick Tocchet.

I just want to get more ice time and not feel restricted. That's when I'm at my best. – Matvei Michkov

So, on the one hand, he repeats (repeatedly) that having Torts helped him a lot. But on the other, he's criticizing his working methods and sending a message to his next coach.

Ironic, isn't it?

In his interview, he often repeated that he's tired of losing and wants to make the playoffs. But does he know that giving 200 feet is the only way to help his club qualify for the playoffs?

Does he know that the one year Alexander Ovechkin gave it his all and played like a complete player, he made it past the second round and got his hands on the famous Stanley Cup?

That's the secret.

Rick Tocchet is a tough coach and either with young or old, you have to earn your ice time when you play for a guy like him. Michkov better start preparing (well) this summer… when he can start doing it.


overtime

– Sheldon Keefe supports the Maple Leafs.

– News from CF Montreal.

– Wildcats coach in demand in the NHL?

– Interesting.

– Healthy, he's elite.

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