We're up to the same old tricks with Matvei Michkov

Despite being probably the most consistently performing team in Philadelphia (not lately but historically), the Philadelphia Flyers have almost always come fourth in one of the premier sports markets in the country.

That means when the hockey media gets itself a story, or thinks that they do, they're going to run with it, and run it into the ground, almost by default.

This has happened before in Flyers history, and it seems like it is taking shape right now with the Flyers' prized Russian winger Matvei Michkov. He has had some great moments early in his career, with an outstanding offensive output during his rookie campaign, and a skill level that is price of admission worthy. He also, however, has drawn the ire of his two coaches thus far, both of whom are seen as more traditional hockey men in John Tortorella and now Rick Tocchet.

This video from the Flyers' loss to the Rangers has been circulating, and at his most recent press conference, Tocchet was asked repeatedly about this particular exchange.

"It happens all the time. It's not just Mich. It's just a story because it's Mich," Tocchet said. "It wasn't even an argument. It was about when he should switch and not with Barkey. He's getting it, when to switch and when not on the power play. That was all.

"He was just getting frustrated on when to switch and when he shouldn't switch. I know there's a lot of media people that like to let him do what he wants, but there's a time to switch and when to switch. That's really what it comes down to."

Take a step back for a second and realize the situation here. Matvei Michkov is an elite talent, a Nikita Kucherov kind of talent. He stepped into the best hockey league in the world on a bad team and scored almost at will, all while not knowing the language, his teammates, or pretty much anything about the NHL.

Now he's in his second season with a different coach, massive expectations, and a retooled roster; his role has come into flux. After a pretty well-documented not great offseason, Michkov has had some early-season struggles, but has been more productive as of late (points in 3 of his last 4 games) and is clearly giving the effort.

Tocchet, to his credit, knows star players. He's played with Lindros, Lemieux, Jagr, Roneick, and coached a host of others. He knows the scrutiny that they are under, and that hockey isn't just about one player.

Tocchet does well to call attention to some of his other players and reminds us that this is a team game. While Michkov is figuring out the NHL, showing his passion, yelling with his coach through an interpreter, you could find any number of coach-player interactions that don't look friendly, but you see Tocchet being reassuring and calm. We have to give him credit, he's doing and saying everything observable correctly.

So let's not get caught in the clickbait. Let's approach this with a sense of poise and rationality, and remember that this is going to play out over this season and the season beyond. Nothing with the Flyers should be judged in the moment, least of all Rick Tocchet and Matvei Michkov.