Photo Credit: Our very own Michael Reaves
Matvei Michkov has been a force on the ice for the orange and black. Each and every time he’s on the ice he tries to make a play, and that’s why most can live with some mistakes. He’s trying his best, and Michkov is doing a very good job at creating offense.
The young Russian Forward has answered his two games worth of benchings well, as he has registered two goals and one assist in three games since his benchings. In addition, Michkov leads all rookies in points with 15 (6g,9a), and all rookies and goals with six. He is also trying to become the first Flyer in history to win the Calder trophy (Rookie of the year).
Michkov also has an overtime winner too:
Whether it’s a game of ping pong or air hockey, Michkov is very competitive. He just wants to win, and multiple players and Flyers’ Head Coach John Tortorella has said that, as well.
With the good, there is bad, as well. There are some things that Michkov is still struggling with, given his short time in North America. Michkov is still having a lot of trouble with the English language, and that comes as no surprise. The language is quite complicated, as some words have the same meaning, but are different w2ith how they are spelled, “The language barrier is heaviest. It’s really hard to develop English,” Michkov said yesterday following practice.
The language barrier is heaviest. It’s really hard to develop English.” – Matvei Michkov
Everything won’t come easy, and he says he does not have an English-speaking tutor. He’s teaching himself and learning from his teammates inside the locker room, “Didn’t really work with tutor, all by himself,” said Michkov via translator. “Picking up day by day. In the locker room teammates help.”
One thing that has remained constant since he came to North America are his teammates sticking up for him. Each game it appears a different person is fighting for him, following a big hit on Michkov, “Everybody plays against him heavier than any other players on the ice,” Michkov said via translator. “Meaning of a teammate, the teammate has to step in and be there for the teammate. We want team, and we always have to protect our teammates.”
It won’t be easy for Michkov with learning the English language. However, he will pick it up, and continue to be that superstar he’s turning into.
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