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 in his first game as a Flyer, unofficially since it doesn’t count, technically speaking. Fans were treated to a fun-filled night of seeing his skating abilities and stick handling abilities, especially behind the net.
Matvei has answered the two games worth of benchings well. He has registered two goals and one assist in two games since his benchings. For his efforts, Michkov is now first in the league lead in scoring by a rookie with 16 points, and first in the league lead with goals by a rookie with seven. Michkov also has two overtime winners 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, “There’s not many moments you’re gonna get. When you get the moment you have to be cold-blooded and finish it,” Matvei Michkov said following the game, after scoring the overtime winner against the Chicago Blackhawks.
It’s been awhile since the Flyers had a clutch goal scorer. Michkov is that, apparently. He has now scored two overtime winners in just 19 games played, “He’s a gamer. He wants to make a difference,” Sean Couturier said following the game. “He’s getting the opportunities and making the difference, so it’s nice to see him produce and help the team win.”
Check out his stat lines below, on what he has accomplished through just 19 games:
Matvei Michkov, 19-years-old
Leads the NHL in scoring by a rookie with 16 points
Leads the NHL in goals by a rookie with 7
Has 16 points in 19 games played (7g,9a)
Has scored 2 overtime winners in just 19 games
Won rookie of the month in October
Competitiveness cannot be taught, that is something that is ingrained in you and Michkov has it, Travis Konecny said after the victory against the San Jose Sharks. Everything is going as planned with Michkov now in the states. It’s going to take more time for him and his family to become adapted to North America, but it couldn’t have gone any better than it has been.
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