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 has adapted well on ice, especially after nearly netting a “Michigan” hat trick last week
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. “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 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.
Tortorella was asked if Michkov was looking forward to the Four Nations Faceoff Tournament break, “Oh God yeah. I’ve heard he’s looking forward to it. He’s been through a lot, I hope he has a great break,” Tortorella said.
A young 20-year-old in Michkov continues about the upcoming Four Nations break, “There’s a plan for the break, and I don’t want to disclose it.”
Michkov is definitely enjoying that break, as he posted on his Instagram page yesterday a picture of him in shorts and a T-Shirt. It does not indicate where he, and presumably others are vacationing.
The rest is much needed through a grueling hockey season. Michkov and others definitely needed a bit of a break from the ice, and now Michkov can come back and finish this season strong.
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