RW Matvei Michkov (2023, 7th, PHI) Part 4

[Next Best Thing]

What has Bedard done to put him in a different league exactly?

Uhm. Pedigree??

It's not up to Bedard to prove he's on the same level here... how about we let Michkov get a point in the NHL first? Lmao.

 

[skagittarius]

I'm looking forward to seeing him when he visits FL. Love his game but one thing I noticed against NHL competition is his straight line speed seems below average. I know that wasn't a strength but I didn't expect him to look a step behind the play as much as he has on breakouts. That was one of the first things that concerned me about Nolan Patrick's game. I think that may limit his game somewhat more than I expected, but he's going to be a monster on the power play and offensive zone starts.

 

[Sasha Orlov]

Uhm. Pedigree??

It's not up to Bedard to prove he's on the same level here... how about we let Michkov get a point in the NHL first? Lmao.

If Russia plays the 2023 WJHC this is a totally different conversation

“Pedigree” is not a good argument at all, there is no ability based reason Michkov should have gone below 2nd overall

 

[Next Best Thing]

If Russia plays the 2023 WJHC this is a totally different conversation

“Pedigree” is not a good argument at all, there is no ability based reason Michkov should have gone below 2nd overall

It absolutely is, plus a near PPG D+1 season in the NHL.

 

[Sasha Orlov]

It absolutely is, plus a near PPG D+1 season in the NHL.

And what will your argument be when Michkov does the same this year? Draft pedigree?

 

[Next Best Thing]

And what will your argument be when Michkov does the same this year? Draft pedigree?

Sorry but what?..

I'm genuinely confused by the wording of your post.

Anyhow IF he manages to be PPG, and that's a huge if, then you can say he's not far off depending on Bedard's current season's outcome.

This is exactly why he's overrated and it's based on wild projections.

It's hilarious to see.

 

[Sombastate]

Was at the game, and he was clearly the best player on the ice during stretches. Looked dangerous quite regularly. A few chances his teammates didn’t finish but also a few chances he didn’t do himself any favors with

It’s clear the people who watch the game and the people who just want to be right or prove that he somehow isn’t a fantastic looking 19 year old

 

[ViD]

Let’s see if his puts the Flames on fire tonight

 

[FlyguyOX]

Not that he needs to be under the microscope for every game that he plays, but it went exactly how I thought it would. Everything directed at or around the net - excellent. The medium -> low pass directed towards the net. The pass from behind the net to in front. The spin move to the front for a great chance. Plus...the no angle shot that led to the delay of game. That's his game. That's the game that I've seen his whole career.

If something isn't being directed towards the net, you get a little bit more of a mixed bag. Most egregiously, that pass attempt from the boards into the middle that was perfectly on the tape of Brock Boeser (?) and not recovering a loose puck that was six feet from him late in the game. Excellent hands, excellent shot, very high-end playmaking directed towards the net line. But the playmaking in other layers and lanes...well, certainly not "generational". It's exactly the game that I've seen with him since he was 16. He is technically excellent, folks downplaying that to play up his playmaking in space isn't how I see it. That doesn't mean you (royal you) have to see it that way though, folks can see things as they see fit, of course...

So he’s fantastic at the passing that actually generates goals. Got it

 

[Michael Farkas]

So he’s fantastic at the passing that actually generates goals. Got it

Generates certainly types of goals, yes. He's a very productive player. Really quite excellent at hockey imo

 

[Vinh]

Switching his center from Couturier to Frost about halfway through the game made a world of difference. All of a sudden, he was getting touches, linking up with linemates in the NZ and generating opportunities. He needs a C who can push the pace and apply pressure on defenses in order to let him cook. His puck skills and IQ are undeniable, but his lack of speed is only highlighted next to a lumbering center like Couturier.

Granted, this is a small sample, but scoring chances at 5-on-5 were 3-2 with Frost and 0-4 with Coots. Hopefully, Torts makes the adjustment.

 

[Drew4u]

Yeah this kid won't last here. He looked terrible in his first game. I can see why he didnt go top five. I f***ing knew he was getting overrated because he's Russian . Again production in the KHL/MHL means nothing .

 

[pacehimself]

I don’t understand why Torts decided to switch him to left wing….why not make a decision like that when he has some games under him.

All in all, he flashed a bunch this game. I’m excited to see how he progresses through the year.

 

[EdmFlyersfan]

The Good
Showed flashes of creativity and being able to maneuver in tight spaces to create offense
Drew 2 penalties
Solid defensive plays (especially on Hughes)

The Bad
Looked extra slow in the first 2 periods, looked slightly better in the 3rd
Fumbled the puck a couple of times (was clearly nervous)
Penalty shot was weak

The Ugly (Tortorella)
Starting him off on LW made no sense
Starting him with Couturier over Frost made no sense


The kid needs time to adjust to the NHL, and he is not going to be a point-per-game in his first NHL season. Let him play his game, and hope he can hit 55 points and build on that along with working on skating (maybe Jett can offer 10% of his speed to Mich )

On a side note, Jett looked good for his first game vs men other than blown coverage and admiring his pass where he got clocked (lesson learned...hopefully).