Photo Credit: Our very own Rob Windfelder
Flyers fans will rejoice tonight at the Wells Fargo Center for the Flyers home opener. They have been waiting for this night since the 2023-24 season ended. For good reason, as the Flyers finally have some future superstar talent in Matvei Michkov and a “Speedster” in Jett Luchanko. Here are some things to watch for tonight during the home opener.
Matvei Michkov and Jett Luchanko
It will be a special night for Matvei Michkov and Jett Luchanko, whom will be making their official Philly Debuts on South Street.
They both have performed very well, as Michkov sits tied for second in the NHL for rookies in points with four (2g,2a). Luchanko continues to play well defensively, but he has added some offensive flare, especially with the man advantage. His speed is elite, and it helps for clean zone entries.
The Power Play
It used to be hard to talk about the man advantage , but nowadays it’s easy. It’s called the Michkov and Luchanko effect. The Flyers currently sit 11th in the NHL with the man advantage, and they have a 26.3% success rate. Man oh man, how one year changed the overall facet of the unit.
Actually, the man advantage is something the Flyers can weaponize to their advantage. Speed is the name of the game in today’s NHL, and Luchanko certainly provides it. He enters the zone with ease, as he is just so darn fast. Flyers’ Head Coach John Tortorella loves his speed, and has talked about it over and over.
Owen Tippett
Tippett will start breaking out here, sooner rather than later. He’s missed the net quite a bit, but he will start cashing in on some opportunities. He’s had Grade “A” opportunities to score, even the game winner against the Edmonton Oilers this past Tuesday night. He entered the Oilers zone with speed, split the the defense, but rang one off the right post. That would have been the game winner.
Flyers’ Head Coach John Tortorella says that they continue to work with Tippett on hitting the net more, and Tortorella believes it will always be something they have to work on.
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He’s due for a breakout game here, so I would advise people to take a Tippett anytime goal tonight, that is if anyone bets.
Gritty Repelling
In true Gritty fashion, Gritty, more than likely will repel from the rafters of the Wells Fargo Center. He’s always done it for each and every home opener, so tonight shall be no different.
