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 hasn’t been all roses for Michkov as of late, as he has been benched for two straight games. Michkov will re-enter today’s lineup, and Morgan Frost will sit.
“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 on Thursday night, and of course, he was a healthy scratch again for a second straight game against the Florida Panthers. He had to find his way back into the lineup, or else Tortorella would be messing with his head. Initially, as stated above, Michkov was only supposed to be benched for one game.
Benching Michkov Monday might have had 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 following the second game, rather his confidence could be shattered. It’s a fine line, as he is a future superstar in the making. This type of Grade “A” prospect should not be benched.
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 was benched Saturday night.
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.
Let’s hope that Michkov can make a difference tonight.
Check out our Flyers Nitty Gritty Store
