Hockey

Sean Couturier throws Matvei Michkov under the bus after Flyers defeat
Vincent Larue
Sean Couturier throws Matvei Michkov under the bus after Flyers defeat
Credit: Youtube

A captain protects his young players. Not the other way around. Following the Philadelphia Flyers' 3-2 overtime loss to the Ottawa Senators on Saturday night, Sean Couturier surprised everyone by criticizing his young teammate Matvei Michkov in front of the media.

The young Russian had scored a big goal to get the Flyers back into the game. But instead of congratulating him, the captain chose to point out what he felt were shortcomings in his game.

“He's a very talented player, but he needs to find other ways to help the team win when he's not scoring.” – Sean Couturier

The tone was calm, but the message was clear. Too clear, some would say. Because a captain normally keeps such comments to himself, especially when the youngster in question has just had a good game.

On social networks, reactions were swift and clear-cut.

“A captain doesn't talk about a teammate like that. Michkov got them back in the game yesterday. Couturier, on the other hand, caused the offside in overtime. Zero responsibility.” – getPucksDeeeeeeep

And that's where it gets tricky. Not only did Couturier publicly criticize a 20-year-old player, but he himself made the blunder that led to the tiebreaker. It's hard to set an example under these conditions.

This kind of outburst may seem trivial, but in a locker room full of young players like the Flyers', the impact is enormous. Youngsters like Matvei Michkov, Tyson Foerster and Bobby Brink watch everything. And when the captain takes the liberty of blaming a teammate in front of the cameras, it sends the wrong message: that you're protecting your image before that of the group.

Sean Couturier's mission was to embody the stability and new culture advocated by general manager Daniel Brière. But this statement scratches that image.

For several years now, the Flyers have been trying to shake off their reputation as a disjointed team with unclear leadership. If this kind of attitude is repeated, it will be difficult to establish a culture based on cohesion and collective responsibility. The dressing room needs a unifying captain, not a leader who points the finger when things go wrong.

This kind of message can make young players want to join the Flyers organization, just as Cutter Gauthier did. Gauthier already has 18 points this season. A statement like this can leave its mark and undermine the confidence of a young talent like Michkov for a long time to come.

A captain doesn't have to be perfect. But he does need to know when to keep his mouth shut. And last night, Sean Couturier forgot that role.


overtime

– All the new Hall of Famers are at the Maple Leafs' pre-game ceremony against the Hurricanes.

– Goalie Arseny Radkov leaves the game following contact.

– Corey Perry has 7 goals in 10 games.

– Marcus Johansson plays his 1000th game against the Calgary Flames.

– Miro Heiskanen is off to a better start than last season, with 14 points in 16 games.

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