It has become very apparent that Matvei Michkov is a fantastic talent. Michkov is a dynamic player, and it was tough to see him hit the rookie wall. However, Michkov continues to get a bit of praise from his Head Coach John Tortorella.
“It’s so encouraging for me from the start of the year,” Flyers’ Head Coach John Tortorella said yesterday following practice. “I know he wants more goals and assists, but he’s handled himself well. He’s been coachable from day one.”
It should come as no shock to hear that Michkov is coachable. Most probably knew that, and really didn’t have to hear it. One can tell that Michkov just wants to produce and win, but play the right way. If he didn’t, Michkov knows he would be sitting on the bench, or up high in the press box.
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 also knows what type of player he will be in the future.
Michkov currently leads a rookies in goals with 14, second in points with 33, and is tied for second in assists with 19. What more can Michkov do, to prove he could be a franchise player in the future.
A young 20-year-old in Michkov fought through rookie struggles. This, his struggles, are going to happen from time to time, but Michkov could stay in the lineup if he plays solid defense. Michkov is learning how to play the game the right way, at both ends of the ice.
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