Matvei Michkov was the star of the show at the Wells Fargo Center on Thursday night, recording his first two points at home as a member of the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2-0 shutout victory over the New York Islanders.
Michkov, 19, picked up a secondary assist on Erik Johnson’s opening tally and closed the third period with an empty-net finish, but not before hitting the post on his first try with the goalie pulled.
The Flyers’ rookie sensation let loose an emphatic celebration of his first goal at home, and his teammates were equally as excited for him to find twine. Michkov’s excitement and passion for the game rubs off on his Flyers teammates, language barrier notwithstanding.
“A lot of learning. It’s obviously still so early, so there’s obviously a little bit of language barrier. So, Tip and I just trying to explain what we can to Mitchie,” said Morgan Frost. “He’s a creative guy and he loves the game, and he’s already telling us stuff that he wants us to do and whatnot, so it’s exciting. I think hopefully we can create some and stick together for a while.”
Michkov’s knack for taking charge of the game, especially in the offensive zone, has been on display for all to see. From a distance, it looks like the 19-year-old takes it personally anytime he fails to score or spends a shift in the defensive zone.
His attitude and approach to the game has caught the eyes and ears of his Flyers teammates early on.
“Every time we’re on the bench, he just wants to get back out there,” linemate Owen Tippett said after the game. “And his excitement is contagious. Obviously guys kind of feed off it. It’s been fun.”
Tippett, known to be a volume shooter willing to take on any shot from any angle, passed the puck noticeably more on Thursday night with No. 39 jumping into attacks alongside him.
Was Tippett or any of the Flyers going out of their way to help Michkov open his Flyers account at the Wells Fargo Center? Tippett wouldn’t outright admit it, but it was a factor in the backs of the Flyers’ minds, at the very least.
“Obviously you want to get him the looks, and first game at home, too,” Tippett conceded. “It just ended up being the right play for both of (the chances).”
Tippett hasn’t received official word that his line with Michkov and Frost will be sticking together to start the year, but if training camp and preseason have said anything, it’s that the Flyers are all-in on maximizing their young, dynamic talents.
Flyers goalie Sam Ersson, who pitched a sublime 36-save shutout against the Islanders in his first true game action since April, was feeling the energy from Michkov, too, even from his crease all that distance away.
“Obviously he’s very good,” Ersson said with a chuckle. ” I think he’s not scared to try things and do some unexpected things. And I think, like, as you see, he’s played very good.”
Even for a preseason game, the excitement and anticipation was palpable at the Wells Fargo Center on Thursday night.
