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 is adapted well on ice, especially after nearly netting a “Michigan” hat trick last night.
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 easier to adapt to the game knowing this. Is there stuff to work on? Sure, there always is, and Michkov will continue to work on his craft. But, 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 yesterday 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.
Tortorella continues about the past conflict on the bench a few games ago, “The conflict I’ve had with him isn’t X’s and O’s. He’s got a tremendous personality, and he’s improved. We need to find, and we haven’t yet, someone to play off him.”
Michkov just wants to win and help the team win anyway he can, “It was a really good game today, unfortunately we did not win today. There’s stuff to improve still, and those goals in the future should help the team win,” Michkov 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.”
One more game to go folks, and then it’s the four nations break.
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