NEWARK, N.J. – The fine might not be a deterrent to future rulebreaking but the negative publicity could.
The Flyers’ Matvei Michkov was handed a $2,000 fine on Tuesday for breaking the NHL’s “embellishment/diving” rule. It was the second time Michkov has broken the policy this season – the first violation back on Dec. 3 was a “warning.”
Michkov is the fourth player to be disciplined for diving by the NHL this season.
No player wants to build a reputation as a flopper. If anything, it draws more scrutiny, both from fans and from on-ice officials.
According to the NHL, a few more violations of the league rule by Michkov could result in a fine of up to $5,000 as well as a potential $2,000 fine to coach Rick Tocchet.
Officially, Michkov violated NHL Rule 64 and the $2K handover is supplementary discipline.
Rule 64 is designed to bring attention to and more seriously penalize players (and teams) who repeatedly dive and embellish in an attempt to draw penalties. Fines are assessed to players and head coaches on a graduated scale outlined below:
Michkov was issued a warning following an incident flagged by NHL Hockey Operations during NHL Game No. 423 vs. Buffalo on Dec. 3. His second citation, which triggered the $2,000 fine, was issued for an incident at 17:24 of the second period during NHL Game No. 1125 vs. Columbus on March 24.
Michkov (embellishment) and Columbus defenseman Dante Fabbro (cross-checking) received offsetting minor penalties on the play.
The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
>Defending against Hughes
A big part of Tuesday night’s defensive game plan for the Flyers against New Jersey was keeping a close eye on the Devils’ Jack Hughes, who made quite a name for himself by scoring the gold medal goal in the recent Winter Olympics.
“He’s one of those guys in the league that’s tough to shut down the whole game,” Tocchet said prior to the game at the Prudential Center. “There are certain things that we’re going to have to do against him to limit his strengths. He’s a money player.”
>Relying on Couturier
It’s no secret hockey games get tighter down the stretch. The goal totals get lower, the shots dry up and defense is put at a premium.
That’s the main reason why Flyers captain Sean Couturier’s role becomes so important in the final week or so of the season.
“Whether he’s playing 12 minutes or 21 like he did the other night,” Tocchet said. “Tough assignments.”
But that’s a role Couturier embraces.
>Reacting to pressure situations
Tocchet knows that some of his younger players are going through the grind of a playoff push. He’s keeping a close eye on how they react to the pressure.
Recent wins over Dallas and the Islanders are samples of where the Flyers came up big when they weren’t necessarily favored to win.
“Those are tough spots,” Tocchet pointed out. “This (New Jersey) is another tough spot. Watching the young guys in these tough spots and how they deal with it. They’re having fun. That’s the whole part of it. Don’t be scared of it. Go attack it.
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