I want Tocchet to pretend that the internet doesn’t exist. I don’t want the coach or GM of any sports team to be overly focused on what the fans are demanding they do. If Tocchet is focused on that then he’s doing the team a disservice.

Charlie, yours is a reasonable analysis, but I’m actually more with Tocchet on this one. There are a ton of different story lines to pursue with a resurgent team that has been mired in mediocrity for over a decade, so it’s got to be irritating to be fielding a sizable percentage of questions about only one player who’s clearly going through a sophomore slump. At this point, what more are you reasonably expecting to learn? Because I’m assuming when you say “block out the noise,” that doesn’t include members of the media.

I don’t care as long as Michkov doesn’t care. I will say this: I’m not paying $40 to park, $100 for a ticket, and another $60 in concessions to watch Coots play 22 minutes a game. I’ll be watching from my living room until Meesh sees the ice more.

Charlie, Excellent and balanced analysis!!! Really brings a fantastic perspective to the noise.

I hope this makes sense. We’d love to have a 50 goal scorer. But i’m reminded of Ilya Kovalchuck and the Atlanta Thrashers. its not enough for any city. Developing an elite team with a 50 goal scorer demands everyone buy in. Id say were off to a great start. I dont expect consistency if ever for 2 years. Its a team of new players and developing players. Ill take watchable games as a victory this year.

Media (in general) gets away with saying/writing all sorts of stuff – Les Bowen and his snideness is a great example (hi Les). But the moment someone pushes back… uh oh.

Really, Charlie – you are going to nitpick to the level of 4 vs 6 questions about Michkov, and pretend that Tocchet’s point about the Flyers world reaching a boiling point over Michkov’s usage isnt valid?

Flyers mishandling of the importance of Gauthier cost them a perennial 40 to 45 goals scorer. Had they agreed to start his NHL career early, he would be leading the Flyers rebuild right now on a pace for 40 goals. Are Flyers now doing it again, this time to Michkov? Clearly Tocchet does not appreciate Michkov’s game, or potential. I bet if he was running the GM position, Tocchet would be calling around to trade him, with the result of course of getting a weaker return like they did getting Drysdale for Gauthier. As a fan, I could care less if Flyers make the playoffs with an inferior talent roster, since coaching changes in Hockey often result in first year overachieving, only to regress back to mediocrity at best. The Flyers talent is not championship worthy, not now. Only Michkov has this kind of potential and Tocchet is just doing a dump on him for some egotistical reason. As a fan, it makes me sick. I would rather see Flyers miss out on the playoffs for another year, let the kid play all the time and fully develop his skills, and add elite talent that is desperately needed from more drafts. Reality is, Tocchet is not running a championship roster, and is not doing what has to happen to get there. Sure he has system wins for now, but Zegras is playing over his head, and is not under club control for much longer. Vader is not the answer as a long run goalie for a Championship team. Do the Flyers want to build a champion Cup contender or are they gonna be satisfied with a playoff bubble one and out team for another decade? Tocchet seems so proud of his record, but its just another overachieving undertalented roster playing under a new demanding coach.

Well researched and analyzed article, Charlie! You gave voice to all sides in here while supporting your arguments as to why Michkov is still the main character to fans even when the team is successful despite his lack of production. Another thing to add is that in watching Tocchet’s press conferences all season he has seemed to use the media to take jabs at Matvei repeatedly. He is quick to point out his flaws while reserving praise. He comes across almost unimpressed by him and doesn’t seem to understand how best to maximize his potential. One place where improvement is needed is that he should at least be playing in OT not just reserved for shootouts. Also, he was on PP1 and then when the other PP lineup had some success he has them locked in as PP1 now even when they are struggling. Why not switch back? Why not play him up with Zegras and his current line mates? Why is he still with Coots on the PP? It seems that Tocchet takes any chance to put a governor on Michkov. I get that he didn’t come to camp in shape, he plays short shifts. There are some easy wins here that would benefit Matvei and the team. The question is why doesn’t he choose any of them?