The captain protects his young players. Not the other way around. Following the Philadelphia Flyers' 3-2 overtime loss to the Ottawa Senators on Saturday night, Sean Couturier surprised everyone by criticizing his young teammate Matvey Michkov in front of the media.
The young Russian scored a big goal to bring the Flyers back into the game. But instead of congratulating him, the captain decided to point out the flaws he felt were in his performance.
“He's a very talented player, but he needs to find other ways to help the team win when he doesn't score.” — Sean Couturier
The tone was calm, but the message was clear. Too clear, some will say. Because the captain usually keeps such comments to himself, especially when the youngster in question has just had a good game.
On social media, the reaction was swift and clear.
“The captain doesn't talk about his teammate like that. Michkov brought them back into the game yesterday. Couturier called for offside in overtime. Zero responsibility.” – getPucksDeeeeeeep
A captain doesn't talk about a teammate like that. I'm sorry. Yesterday Michkov returned them to the game. this guy was caught offside in overtime and it hurt his team. zero liability. he is a relic of bad culture. pic.twitter.com/S2kl0RrosZ
– getPucksDeeeeeeep (@BeeTEE15) November 9, 2025
And this is where things get more complicated. Couturier not only publicly criticized the 20-year-old player, but he himself made a mistake that led to a tiebreaker. It is difficult to lead by example in such conditions.
An explosion like this may seem trivial, but in a locker room full of young players like the Flyers, the effect is enormous. Young people like Matvey Michkov, Tyson Foerster and Bobby Brink are all watching. And when a captain takes it upon himself to accuse a teammate in front of the cameras, it sends the wrong message: you are protecting your image over the image of the group.
Sean Couturier's mission was to embody the stability and new culture that general manager Daniel Briere championed. But this statement scratches that image.
For several years now, the Flyers have been trying to shake off their reputation as a disjointed team with unclear leadership. If this attitude is repeated, it will be difficult to create a culture based on cohesion and collective responsibility. The dressing room needs a unifying captain, not a leader who will point fingers when things go wrong.
It's messages like these that could make young players want to join the Flyers organization, just like Cutter Gauthier did. Gauthier already has 18 points this season. Such a statement can leave its mark and permanently undermine the confidence of such a young talent as Michkov.
The captain doesn't have to be perfect. But he needs to know when to keep his mouth shut. And last night Sean Couturier forgot about this role.
after a while
– Everything is new Hall of Famers attend a ceremony before the Maple Leafs' game against the Hurricanes.
2025 @HockeyHallFame The inductees dropped the puck during the ceremonial face-off before today's game in Toronto! pic.twitter.com/oceTjJLvy1
– NHL (@NHL) November 10, 2025
– Goalkeeper Arseniy Radkov leaves the game after contact.
Arseniy Radkov left the game after contact in front of the net. He leaves his seat to Derick Brouillard.
Note that Braden Besner is also not on the bench.#QMJHL
– Emilio Constanza (@HeyImEmil) November 9, 2025
– Corey Perry has 7 goals in 10 games.
That's 7 goals in 10 games for Corey Perry, by the way. pic.twitter.com/EMSTUTj6BH
– Los Angeles Kings (@LAKings) November 9, 2025
– Marcus Johansson plays his 1,000th game against the Calgary Flames.
That's 7 goals in 10 games for Corey Perry, by the way. pic.twitter.com/EMSTUTj6BH
– Los Angeles Kings (@LAKings) November 9, 2025
– Miro Heiskanen is off to a better start than last season with 14 points in 16 games.
Miro Heiskanen inexplicably scored just 25 points in 50 games last season.
He's now back on track, scoring 14 of his 16 points earlier this season.
– Jason Gold (@JayGold85) November 10, 2025
