Photo Credit: Our very own Michael Reaves
Matvei Michkov played a great month of hockey as Flyers 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” for the month of October by 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, and now he was a healthy scratch again for a second straight game against the Florida Panthers. He has to find his way back into the lineup Monday, or else Tortorella will be messing with his head.
Benching Michkov Monday might have the reverse effect. Tortorella says it’s not bad for the youth to watch a game or two. Fine no problem, but after two games he should be able to re-enter the lineup. The benching does no good at this point, rather his confidence could be shattered. It’s a fine line.
Sure it’s about his long-term development, but Michkov has 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 one game scratching for Michkov, but with the Flyers playing well against Tampa Bay and now the Florida Panthers. My fear was they had to play bad in order for him to get back in the lineup. Let’s hope that’s not the case.
Check out our Flyers Nitty Gritty Store
Ok Torts, you made your point to everyone, now it’s time to let the Russian loose—- 10 other guys need your attention!!! Michkov is exciting to watch, so he makes the odd mistake, there Re 20 others that could possibly score in those 1 goal games, Michkov at least is exciting player and will catch fire unless you continue to put the fire out
I’m going to the game vs. the Sharks tomorrow night with my son. Michkov better be playing.