Flyers: Couturier, Michkov Overreaction

Bill Meltzer’s Flyers blog on Hockey Hot Stove is brought to you by Phans of Philly, by Lights On Electric, by New Balance of Mount Laurel, and by Cover All Exteriors.

Public service announcement: The Philadelphia Flyers carry a winning record (8-5-2) into this week. The team has shaved a full goal-plus per game off their team goals against average from this time last year. There’s strong communication between head coach Rick Tocchet and his players. Meanwhile, within the locker room and on the ice, players have hold one another — and themselves — accountable so far when they don’t play up to expectations.

Now here’s a news flash. Those things aren’t always pretty. It’s not all smiles and quips and high-fives. Sometimes, teammates get on one another on the ice, the bench or the dressing room. That’s real life in team sports (not just in hockey). It reminds me of when Chris Pronger used to quip, tongue in cheek, that he needed to go on IR with hurt feelings.

Team captain Sean Couturier’s commentary when asked about Matvei Michkov’s season to date was as mild and matter-of-fact could be. It was barely a blip on the “calling someone out” scale.

Before the end of each game, the Flyers staff asks the attending media members to make a list of postgame player availability requests. I was the one who asked for Couturier to be made available. In the room, after Michkov spoke (through translator Slava Kuznetov) about his off-season and season to date, Kevin Kurz asked Couturier about what the team leaders have told the young Russian winger to help him get through his rough start.

Over the last week or so, Michkov’s game seems to be rounding into form.That’s not solely because he’s scored goals in back-to-back matches. He’s also skating better and looking more assertive. There are fewer “hope” plays and less overthinking. It’s still not perfect. He still goes to the wrong places sometimes or takes low-percentage risks. However, these are now becoming risks born of renewed confidence and not trying to force plays that simply aren’t there. Nevertheless, it’s trending the right way.

Meanwhile, Couturier’s words were not — or should hardly have been — incendiary or controversial. Couturier simply harkened back to an age-old truism: even star offensive players have to find other ways to contribute when they are not scoring.

Help in other ways when not scoring

“He’s a great goal scorer, has a lot of skill, I think you just got to find a way to contribute to helping the team win in other ways when you’re struggling. You’re not always going to be scoring goals every game,” Couturier said.

Right from the start of camp under the new coaching regime, captain has stressed the need for every player on the team to get on the same page about playing the systems that have been installed. The message seems to get a lot of buy-in. With Michkov, for various reasons. it’s taken longer. Couturier was asked if Michkov seems to be catching on now.

“I’ve seen improvement in the way he’s not cheating as much and being on the right side of pucks. I’m sure it’s a little different for him. If he sticks to playing more of the right way, I think it’s going to be better for the team overall,” Couturier said.

If that’s “calling out a fellow player,” that’s about the mildest possible way to do so. Actually, it was a captain showing leadership. I thought that’s what Flyers fans said they wanted.

Michkov’s conditioning is catching up

Jason Myrtetus and I discussed this very topic, both on camera for Flyers Daily and privately. There’s a segment of the fanbase that are not actually Flyers fans. They’re solely Matvei Michkov fans, concerned about his ice time on a given night (regardless of game circumstance, such as a heavy PK-oriented game). They’ll deny what the eye test should make plainly evident and couch in things like “per 60” stats.

The “per 60” stats are often based on a faulty assumption that Player X just needs more ice time to produce more. There’s usually good reasons why the player’s ince time is what it is.

In Michkov’s case, one large reason is that he wasn’t in great shape for camp. He’s played catch-up. It’s been obvious because he seemed winded and lacking quick recovery times between shifts. He seemed to get worn down rather easily. He didn’t move his feet. Moreover, the sheer volume of mistakes — both physical and mental – were higher than during his rookie season. If you couldn’t see those things, you’re either in denial or missing the point.

Now for the good news: The Flyers have had a rather moderate schedule so far (that’s going to change). They’ve spent lots of time at home. They’ve had regular practice days and only one 3-in-4/ 4-in-6 slate so far on the schedule. Michkov has made good use of the time. He’s taken extra skating. He’s sought out communication. He’s worked — and is still working — to catch up. It’s starting to pay off.

Again, Michkov played at a bit quicker pace the last few games. He even looks like he’s dropped a few pounds since the start of camp. Those are signs of a player who isn’t feeling sorry for himself and won’t accept less than his best. Those are good things. He’s still not all the way there yet, in terms of on-ice detail. He’s getting there, however.

Lastly, in regard to the overtime offside play, Couturier seemed mostly frustrated and annoyed with himself. Michkov kind of caused the play to go offside by his entry approach. However, it’s still the off-puck linemate’s responsibility to stay inside. There was a clear-cut “out of sync” moment. It happens.

No one who was in the room after the game picked up on even a hint of postgame conflict or drama. It was all routine. I guess, in hindsight, we should have expected the usual “overreact to everything” suspects on (anti)social media to overreact.

Flyers Daily: Daniel Briere

Flyers General Manager Daniel Brière joined Jason Myretus to discuss the Flyers’ start to the season, the TrevorZegras effect, Michkov’s development in year two and much more. Jason also digs into the YouTube feed comments section and gives his own take on the online drama surrounding the team.