Matvei Michkov says he needed the break to recoup, and he’s actually more comfortable in North America “The new guys gave me energy”

Matvei Michkov has adjusted to the Flyers better than anybody could have expected. Of course, he is still adapting to North America and their culture, but he is adapted well on ice, especially after nearly netting a “Michigan” hat trick a few weeks ago before the Four Nations break.

Flyers’ Head Coach John Tortorella has been sort of a different coach with Michkov. He doesn’t get overly frustrated, he’s patient, and he knows when to talk to him. The pair have weekly meetings with a translator present to go over things, but Tortorella couldn’t be more thrilled with how things have gone, “I couldn’t be happier with the route that we are going,” Tortorella said. “Getting him out of there early, processing him with this. He may answer differently, I love where it’s going.”

The patience is paying off, and it’s really fueling Michkov’s overall success on the ice. He doesn’t have to be afraid to make a mistake, It’s just easier to adapt to the game knowing this. Is there stuff to work on? Sure, there always is, and Michkov will continue to work on his craft. But, It’s just nice knowing that he doesn’t have to play mistake free hockey, especially since he’s trying to make a play, more often than not.

Tortorella was asked a few weeks ago if Michkov was looking forward to the Four Nations Faceoff Tournament break, “Oh God yeah. I’ve heard he’s looking forward to it. He’s been through a lot, I hope he has a great break,” Tortorella said.

Michkov agrees he needed a break, “Had a chance to recoup, had a good time out of hockey, and ready for rest of the season. I needed a pause, the break was good,” Michkov Said following the game on Saturday.

Michkov just wants to win and help the team win anyway he can, “First goal scoring helped my confidence, as well. The new guys gave me energy, and I played well,” Michkov says.

He knows how to get a good laugh, and it shows that he’s adapting to North America, “Danced around him in the first period, and his head is still spinning a little bit (He said laughing),” Michkov said of playing Connor McDavid.

The above quote is exactly what you want to see and hear from Michkov. He’s joking a lot more, so that tells me he’s more comfortable and likes Philadelphia.