RW Matvei Michkov (2023, 7th, PHI) Part 5
- Thread starter SoupNazi
- Start date
-
Work is still on-going to rebuild the site styling and features. Please report any issues you may experience so we can look into it. Click Here for Updates
- Status
StrawHatEklund
Registered User
Yet Torts still has him sheltered on the 3rd line no? Celebrini didn't just play on the 3rd line with Goodrow but his fellow rookie Smith who wasn't playing that well at the time either (though they looked solid for bits against the Red Wings). So, Goodrow who is a 3rd/4th line veteran forechecker and another inexperienced rookie.
It's all relative and context matters. Yes, linemates matter and at the time, Celebrini had poor quality linemates for even the 3rd line. So, the 3rd line is both easier competition and generally worse linemates (though sometimes you get top 6 level players put there and at other times 4th liners). AFAIK, Michkov gets more PP time on average than Celebrini despite playing softer minutes on the 3rd line.
Honestly, there is nothing here. You're just obnoxious ASF. Just like the other Flyers fan in the "potential of the SJ Sharks thread." It's clear to us that Michkov didn't want to be in San Jose and that's fine. We don't need you guys insulting Grier over it, mocking Will Smith or constantly trying to bring down Celebrini.
Last edited:
Well, Smith looks good. Not Michkov good of course but he's gonna be a solid NHLer, probably a star. Still in vacuum they should have drafted Michkov, but we don't live in vacuum...
Well, Michkov played even with 4th liners like Phoeling and Hathaway, but right now he plays with Tippett and Frost, and they are their 2nd line. They've probably been their best line in the last 2 games, but I still think it's too early to say they are clicking.
Last edited:
Well...usually, life isn't that fair. Kindergarten to the coffin...
And in another vein...why do you care what anyone says about Michkov in comparison to Celebrini? If you could learn to ignore it, you'd have a kind-of super-power...probably akin to what the player himself has. They are only comparable in that they are both NHL rookies...after that, it's kind of irelevant? Unless they both become Cup-winning magnets over the next decade...in which case, I am happy to split it with you.
I think Celebrini is a fine player. And I wish him all the best. Even if it means winning the Calder somehow...no biggie. But he'll have to earn it.
JABEE
Registered User
I look forward to him being back on the top line again.
He's producing and dragging the production of his linemates up with him.
Pretty crazy how good he already is at 19 years old and you can see how he's improving every night.
I suggest catching a few games, check out his OT goal against the Blues, he anticipated that play before it happened completely. His first goal of his career was a play where the puck hit the back wall he got it and threw it in before anyone knew what was happening, another good example.
The most common situations where I think it's most pronounced:
- Around the net. His recognition of when to high tail it to the net (or when to stop there) is incredible, and he times his cuts perfectly.
- Failed breakouts from the opponent. He anticipates when the other team's D is gonna cough up the puck a split second before everyone else. He's not a great forechecker himself, but he knows how to capitalize on his teammates work there.
- Off of broken plays in the offensive zone, he seems to always filter into open ice where the puck finds him
- At the defensive blue line, he anticipates the other team's offensive zone turnover earlier and more accurately than everyone else, allowing him to confidently fly the zone a split second before the opposing D can react. That's how a guy with such mediocre speed has gotten loose for so many breakaways.
I know I sound like a broken record, but these are the same indicators of generational offensive IQ I that saw in 17 year old Johnny Gaudreau. The two share a lot of similarities in that neither are the biggest or fastest guy (though Gaudreau did get faster by his mid 20s), nor do they have the most elite toolset. They just have the best toolboxes in the world.
They're also both much stronger on the puck than their sizes should allow, and are incredibly competitive. The one thing Johnny's coaches and teammates always said about him when asked "what's something that surprised you about him?" was that he was the most competitive guy they'd ever played with. Michkov seems to have that same fiery compete level.
I think Michkov could have a very similar peak, maybe higher if he gets more support (Gaudreau only had 1-2 seasons where he played with two legit first line players, and he should have won the Hart in one of those).
Being a Philly native and boyhood Flyers fan, there is something poetic about the Flyers drafting the next great hockey brain. I'm sure Johnny is looking down with a smile on his face.
ViD
#CBJNeedHugs
I’m not gonna lie this surprises me, his two way game, stripping pucks and shit I hate it but even getting down to block shots sometimes, guy has a winners mentality, doesn’t pout. Everything you wanna see in your young future super star.
Michkov is now figuring out how not to be a defensive liability and not compromising his offense. I think this is what Tortorella was hammering into his head with the scratching.
Pick your spots better....
He shows this in the neutral zone and off zone. But it is hard to describe without watching him.
He not only makes the right pass, but the timing of his passes are calculated. He sometimes passes a split second faster or slower depending on the situation.
After releasing the pass he then goes to the danger area with great instinct.
That's why it was a bit off when that guy doubted his hockey sense, when nearly EVERYTHING about his physical game ranges from below average to decent.
Undersized
Avg speed at best
Decent shot
Hockey sense is what has made him score 22 points in 24 games.
Michkov's 9 goals, not one was with an overpowering shot or a jaw on the floor dangle/deke. Produced simply by being at the right place, right time and using the right play.
Bedard and Celebrini produce the "oohs and ahhs" goals. Pops out of the screen.
Michkov is a working-class scorer....good amount but with very little to no flash.
Pick your spots better....
He shows this in the neutral zone and off zone. But it is hard to describe without watching him.
He not only makes the right pass, but the timing of his passes are calculated. He sometimes passes a split second faster or slower depending on the situation.
After releasing the pass he then goes to the danger area with great instinct.
That's why it was a bit off when that guy doubted his hockey sense, when nearly EVERYTHING about his physical game ranges from below average to decent.
Undersized
Avg speed at best
Decent shot
Hockey sense is what has made him score 22 points in 24 games.
Michkov's 9 goals, not one was with an overpowering shot or a jaw on the floor dangle/deke. Produced simply by being at the right place, right time and using the right play.
Bedard and Celebrini produce the "oohs and ahhs" goals. Pops out of the screen.
Michkov is a working-class scorer....good amount but with very little to no flash.
Let's not use +/- to pump him up, because it'll be the first thing people bring up if he drops again lol
The main exception being his puck protection, strength on pucks, and hands.
StrawHatEklund
Registered User
Primarily, his responses to Grier’s questions during the combine (with regards to the franchise). To a lesser extent, his rumored behavior toward the Coyotes/Caps. Not to mention non large hockey markets like Anaheim/Columbus both passing on him too.
Zirakzigil
The Global Hangman wishes he could be
If I have to come into this thread and clean it up, again, some people will be taking a long mandatory break.
This is a Michkov thread, keep it on topic or youll be kicked out.
This is a Michkov thread, keep it on topic or youll be kicked out.
- Dec 5, 2005
- 3,116
- 2,097
Playing like he does with Torts as a head coach is even more impressive!
Acallabeth
Post approved by Ovechkin
I disagree, Michkov plays spectacular hockey. He doesn't skate dazzlingly fast or rip 100-mph shots, but the plays he makes are and look extraordinary.
Just look at his 2nd assist last game: instead of a quick low-percentage shot or pass, he forces 2 Cats players to end up in the same spot and then passes around them, forcing them to look to the sky.
Joga bonito.
I was talking about scoring goals....not playmaking. Michkov's goal scoring is nowhere near as flashy as bedard/celebrini, but they happen mostly due to his instincts, not pure physical prowess.
Passing , vision and playmaking he has in spades. But again, those are all driven by his hockey sense. I described in my previous post how sometimes Michkov passes slightly late or early to find openings. The play you talked about illustrates this point to a tee and how his passing/playmaking is driven off his hockey sense and vision.
Right place, right time and right play. That is Michkov's bread and butter and will continue to be.
Last edited:
ConnorMcMullet
#12 Colby Cave
- Jun 10, 2017
- 10,437
- 18,393
I think the only real critique you can have with Michkov’s play at this point is that he does cheat for offense, but at the same time, he’s good at it. And I think that’s also a testament to his elite anticipation.
I still can’t believe Habs passed over this guy. It was a no brainer back then and even more so now.
Enjoy him Philly!
Enjoy him Philly!
TheKrebsCycle
Throwing Confetti for Perfetti
Amazing what some skill does to a powerplay
Fatass
Registered User
- Apr 17, 2017
- 24,453
- 16,181
I think we forget that Mickov is still adjusting to a new country and hockey over here. The National Lesgue is a lot faster than the KHL. Yet, even with these new adjustments Michkov excels. The sky is the limit for this guy. So glad he’s over here now and we get to watch him.
- Status
Latest posts
-
Myers 5min Match Penalty: Cross check to the face of Bouchard
- Latest: AnInjuredJasonZucker
-
