Flyers forward Matvei Michkov is off to a strong start after a sophomore slump. Now in his third NHL season, Michkov leads the Flyers in points and shares the team lead in goals with seven in 11 games. The 21-year-old has earned at least one point in each of the last three games amidst the teams' resurgence, averaging 14:51 mintues on the ice so far.
After the team's 3-2 win over the Colorado Avalanche on Monday, he spoke about his season so far.
'I'm feeling so good on the ice, and I think I have energy for the season,' Michkov told reporters. 'I want to play, and I want to support the team more.'
Michkov was one goal away from a hat trick against the Avalanche. This is the second time in his career he has scored two goals in a game with a late-game chance to score. His first near-hat trick came in his rookie year, and the second came Monday night, when he shot wide of the empty net.
When asked about how badly he wants to reach the accomplishment, Michkov said, 'Open net don’t like me.'
Although he doesn't yet have a hat trick, Michkov has made a significant impact on the Flyers organization. It feels like it's only a matter of time until that elusive hatty finally gets ticked off his list of accomplishments.
In his first season with the Flyers, Michkov recorded 63 points (26 goals, 37 assists) in 80 games. Last season, he took a step back, tallying 51 points (20 goals, 31 assists) in 81 games.
Michkov has already recorded seven points in 11 games, a strong sign for the season ahead after a transformative offseason.
The team will get another chance to extend its two-game win streak on Wednesday when it takes on the Buffalo Sabres.
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