The Flyers returned home and got back into the win column in an entertaining, back-and-fourth affair with the visiting San Jose Sharks. As always, let’s wrap:
Michkov Returns to Lineup, Picks Up Two Points
After a couple games as a healthy scratch, rookie sensation Matevi Michkov returned to action for Philadelphia. The 19-year-old skated on the third line with Anthony Richard and Ryan Poehling. The line turned in a quality performance across the board for the Flyers, as all three players picked up points in the win.
Michkov, however, stood out above the rest.
During the first period on the powerplay, the young Russian forward set up Travis Konecny for a one-timer from the slot. It was a quick and decisive pass from Michkov, who seemingly saw the play develop before it materialized.
“He’s competitive,” Travis Konecny said of Michkov. “That’s what we love about him, he brings all the other stuff to the game, the skill, that offensive mindset, but he also competes and hangs in there.”
Then, he was able to get behind the San Jose defense for a partial breakaway before beating Vitek Vanecek five-hole.
Believe or not, Michkov now has four multipoint games this season, tying him with Ron Sutter and Bob ” the hound” Kelly for sixth most by a Flyers teenager.
Word to the wise, keep this kid in the lineup.
Emil Andrae Shines
Aside from Michkov, defensemen Emil Andrae showcased his ability in a big way in this game as well. Andrae, 22, took 30 shifts and logged 25:40 of total time on ice, good for second most on the team behind only Travis Sanheim’s 30 minutes of TOI. Andrae has stepped in for the injured Cam York admirably and is making the decision to send him back to Leigh Valley much more difficult.
“I just try to use my instincts,” Andrae said. “I still think I can shoot a lot more, getting pucks through to the net. I think I did a pretty good job today. Just got to keep going.”
Both by the numbers and the eye test, the young Swede appears to be a legitimate top four defensemen right now.
They Said it
John Tortorella on the Flyers Blowing a three-goal lead: “We have a lesson to learn there but we found a way to win. I liked our game other then three or four minutes where we did some really dumb stuff.”
Travis Konecny on the Flyers Finding there game: “You can sense our game is coming. We’re playing more consistently the last four games in the style we want to play and getting better results.”
Did You Know?
According to the NHL’s Public Relations Staff, Erik Johnson’s first period goal makes him the third defenseman age 36 or older to score this season, following St. Louis’ Ryan Suter and Pittsburgh’s Kris Letang.
On Deck
The Flyers will make a brief trip to Ottawa on Thursday, when they are hosted by Claude Giroux and the Ottawa Senators.
Great game, even better article!
Great article, and insight on the rookies, hoping too see the Flyers in playoffs!!