Flyers HC John Tortorella gives crystal clear reasoning for benching star rookie Matvei Michkov in third period

John Tortorella on benching star rookie Matvei Michkov in third period- Source: Imagn

Flyers coach John Tortorella offered a blunt explanation for benching star rookie Matvei Michkov in the third period of the 3-1 win against the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday.

Michkov, the seventh overall pick in the 2023 NHL draft, was held out for the entire final frame after struggling with his energy and skating earlier in the game, according to Tortorella.

"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," Tortorella said.