Photo Credit: Our very own Michael Reaves
Michkov mania has been rampant for the past few months throughout the Philadelphia region and abroad, for good reason. Matvei Michkov played in his first game as a Flyer, unofficially since it doesn’t count, technically speaking. Fans were treated to a fun-filled night of seeing his skating abilities and stick handling abilities, especially behind the net.
Flyers fans have a lot to be thankful for on Thanksgiving. Yes, their families and friends, health, and jobs all matter. However, Flyers fans are thankful for the one and only Michkov. He is a Flyer, and Michkov is killing it in his first season in North America.
For his efforts, Michkov is now first in the league lead in scoring by a rookie with 17 points, and first in the league lead with goals by a rookie with eight. Michkov also has two overtime winners too, and he is fueling the Flyers to a 6-2-2 record in their last ten games played.
Whether, it’s a game of ping pong or air hockey, Michkov is very competitive. He just wants to win, and multiple players and Flyers’ Head Coach John Tortorella has said that, as well, “There’s not many moments you’re gonna get. When you get the moment you have to be cold-blooded and finish it,” Matvei Michkov said following the game, after scoring the overtime winner against the Chicago Blackhawks.
It’s been awhile since the Flyers had a clutch goal scorer. Michkov is that, apparently. He has now scored two overtime winners in just 19 games played, “He’s a gamer. He wants to make a difference,” Sean Couturier said following Saturday’s game. “He’s getting the opportunities and making the difference, so it’s nice to see him produce and help the team win.”
Check out his stat lines below, on what he has accomplished through just 21 games played:
Matvei Michkov, 19-years-old
Leads the NHL in scoring by a rookie with 17 points
Leads the NHL in goals by a rookie with eight
Has 17 points in 21 games played (8g,9a)
Has scored 2 overtime winners in just 21 games
Won rookie of the month in October
Competitiveness cannot be taught, that is something that is ingrained in you and Michkov has it, Travis Konecny said after the victory against the San Jose Sharks. Everything is going as planned with Michkov now in the states. It’s going to take more time for him and his family to become adapted to North America, but it couldn’t have gone any better than it has been.
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