Photo Credit: Our very own Michael Reaves
Matvei Michkov has accomplished a lot already, and he’s just 11 games into his NHL career. He continues to learn the English language, and Michkov was named the NHL’s rookie of the month for the month of October.
Even with his struggles at 5-on-5, Michkov was still tabbed as the rookie of the month. Michkov continues to try and make plays, but he is still adjusting to the North American ice, along with the physicality and fast paced game of the NHL. This was to be expected after coming over from Russia.
“We are here to help him become a better hockey player,” said Brad Shaw following Flyers practice yesterday. “He’s 19-years-old, he’s going to be a much better player next year. I can’t imagine where he is in five years. That’s fun to take that into the future.”
Shaw continues, “I think we all anticipate a few bumps along the road. But for him to come out of the gates that quickly, he’s got a knack for east west at the top of the zone, finding lanes, I’ve never seen that from a forward.”
Michkov could have at least three or four more points, however. His linemates were having trouble finishing earlier in the season, and that was after he made a beautiful setup or just him trying to be creative with making a play.
“He’s learning, he’s a driven guy. You see how competitive he is. He will sort that out and become a better hockey player,” Shaw said. That’s just it, he’s still learning the game and how to play the game the right way. Flyers’ Head Coach John Tortorella is taking no shortcuts in teaching this, and Michkov was even benched for a shift or two against the St. Louis Blues this past Thursday night.
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Michkov will be fine, and yes he may even be benched again for such, as Tortorella said he will hold him accountable, just like other players. It’s not a dig at Michkov, Tortorella just wants to teach him to play the right way.
