Photo Credit: Our very own Michael Reaves
Michkov mania has been rampant for the past few months throughout the Philadelphia region and abroad, for good reason. Matvei Michkov played a great month of hockey as a Flyer. Fans have been treated to fun-filled nights of seeing his skating abilities and stick handling abilities, especially behind the net. Sure he is still finding his way at 5-on-5, but he still was named “Rookie of the month” in the NHL.
“It’s just part of the process. I told you guys. Young guys, they can watch games too. It’s just trying to help him,” Flyers’ Head Coach John Tortorella said of the initial scratching of Michkov.
Initially I was really shocked that Michkov was a healthy scratch. For his efforts, Michkov registered four goals and six assists in 13 games played. Sure he has struggled at 5-on-5, but name me one player on the team that hasn’t this season. Every single player has struggled at some point or another on the young season, at least Michkov is or was trying to make plays.
Michkov has been scoring and tallying points with the man advantage. The Tampa Bay Lightning had trouble staying out of the box, so again the move was quite puzzling. Seven of his 10 points have come with the man advantage. For the second time in his brief NHL career he is benched.
Everything seems to be going great for Michkov. We have learned he is a family man. He got a little emotional talking about his first goal and what it meant to him and his family. One could sense that goal meant a lot not only to him, but his family. His mom and brother were upstairs in the arena watching the game, and they were able to see his first goal as a Flyer.
Flyers’ Head Coach John Tortorella said it would only be a game scratching for Michkov, but with the Flyers playing well against Tampa Bay. My fear was they had to lose in order for him to get back in the lineup.
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