Photo Credit: Our very own Michael Reaves
Matvei Michkov has adjusted to the Flyers better than anybody could have expected. Of course, he is still adapting to North America and their culture, but he is adapted well on ice.
Flyers’ Head Coach John Tortorella has been sort of a different coach with Michkov. He doesn’t get overly frustrated, he’s patient, and he knows when to talk to him. The pair have weekly meetings with a translator present to go over things, but Tortorella couldn’t be more thrilled with how things have gone, “I couldn’t be happier with the route that we are going,” Tortorella said yesterday following practice. “Getting him out of there early, processing him with this. He may answer differently, I love where it’s going.”
The patience is paying off, and it’s really fueling Michkov’s overall success on the ice. He doesn’t have to be afraid to make a mistake, It’s just easier to adapt to the game knowing this. Is there stuff to work on? Sure, there always is, and Michkov will continue to work on his craft. But, It’s just nice knowing that he doesn’t have to play mistake free hockey, especially since he’s trying to make a play, more often than not.
In the off-season, I have suggested more than once that I would like to see Michkov play the Center position at some point, much like Joel Farabee did for a few games in the past. Unfortunately, that won’t be happening anytime soon, at least Tortorella as the coach, “No, we need to find a Center to play with him. Frost is with him now. He’s a rover forward anyway,” Tortorella said.
Tortorella continues, “Frost has been up and down. I’m not sure that’s the right marriage there.” Obviously, Flyers’ General Manager Danny Briere is busy and continues to be busy working phones. Now this doesn’t mean a move is imminent, but he could just be scratching the surface to make a deal work. Believe it or not, of course he wants to improve the team, but for now let’s enjoy watching Michkov play.
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