The Daily: Why Flyers’ Torts Benched Michkov; Sharks Win Again

There is always a plan wrapped around trips to Flyers’ coach John Tortorella’s dog house. There’s always an effort being made to make the player better at his job.

Not everyone recognizes that when Tortorella has a conflict with a player.

PHN’s Jonathan Bailey illustrated Tortorella’s motivation in explaining why the Philadelphia Flyers coach benched Matvei Michkov against the St. Louis Blues.

“He’s a 19-year-old kid playing in the best league in the world. I think he’s beginning to see what the National Hockey League is, as far as the speed, as far as time in space… all the things that come with it,” Tortorella said of Michkov.

"But michkov isn't a 1st overall pick he's not the same calibre" yes he is. Torts would probably bench any 1st overall given the right circumstances pic.twitter.com/18pkyRKhhV

— hockey stan (@biasedoilerfan) November 1, 2024

“There’s going to be major struggles with him 5-on-5. We expect that. Where I’m going to have to teach – and that teaching moment, I’m not going to tell you what It’s all about – if we just keep on seeing the same mistake, and he’s just totally not concentrating on a certain part of the game, that’s when, and I’ve been very honest with him about that, he’s going to miss some ice. He’s going to watch the game.

It’s not me, you know, screaming at (Michkov). It’s telling him, ‘This is how it works.’ If I think other (Flyers) are going and you’re struggling in certain situations, and it’s repetitive, you’re going to have to sit and watch for a little bit. That’s all that was.”

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

The Grand Rapids Griffins are enjoying the best start in the franchise’s history. Sebastian Cossa is playing a major role in that start.

Paywall story: Coach Derek Lalonde still believes Ville Husso will play a role in the Red Wings goalie rotation this season. If you want to buy a subscription, click here. 

Red Wings still treading water after 10 games.  Coach Derek Lalonde‘s team needs some consistency.

Lalonde said Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin can play at a higher level than he has.

Red Wings Extra

Detroit’s squad will be home Saturday to face the Buffalo Sabres at Little Caesars Arena (7 p.m., FanDuel Sports Network). Meanwhile, the 6-1-1 Griffins play at home against Rockford tonight. Austin Watson was sent back to the Griffins Thursday.

Hockey Now Network

Buffalo: Jason Moser looks at what Ryan McLeod and Jordan Greenway can do to get Dylan Cozens going this season. Buffalo Sabres  

Colorado: Valeri Nichushkin will be joining the Avalanche practices over the next couple of days. Colorado Avalanche.

Pittsburgh: Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin ride to the rescue for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

San Jose: Will Smith scored his first two NHL games to help Sharks win third NHL game. San Jose Sharks.