PITTSBURGH – It wasn’t like Matvei Michkov was guilty of not trying hard enough.
He just didn’t realize that the effort he put forth in his sensational 26-goal rookie season wasn’t going to be enough in his second time around the NHL. Teams were on the lookout.
By now, the story has been well documented: An injury kept him from putting in a full summer of training, he came to camp in less than ideal condition and got off to a sleepy start.
It took all the way to the Winter Olympic break for a reset. He dedicated himself to strenuous off-ice workouts, skated like crazy when the non-Olympic Flyers gathered for a week of practice and just looked more focused when NHL play resumed.
As the Stanley Cup playoffs get underway, Michkov is riding a wave of personal momentum. In his final seven games, the 22-year-old Russian registered four goals/11 points, including this 20th goal of the season.
On top of that, Michkov improved his plus-minus number by a ton. Last year? Minus-18. This year? Even. That means he’s become much less of a defensive liability.
Now he’s getting a chance to see if his restored confidence can have an impact in the playoff series against the Penguins.
“When the games come my way, everything feels lighter,” Michkov said through an interpreter. “In the past, nothing was really happening. Now it’s a lot better.”
Michkov said he was concentrating more on the defensive side of his game before the Olympic break. That might have been noble but the Flyers drafted Michkov more for his offensive prowess than his ability to neutralize other teams’ top scorers.
“In the break I was working hard,” he said. “After the break I was getting myself ready for the offensive play. I’m doing a lot better there.”
Michkov was asked the obvious question about whether he was excited due to the prospect of playing in games with higher intensity. He’s known for his outstanding skating and playmaking ability and that’s the kind of stuff which can get fans out of their seats.
“I am grateful (for the support) and it does help,” he said. “They’re not always on your side when something is not happening. But the most important thing is to help yourself first.”
As the year has progressed, the Flyers have been adding young players such as Denver Barkey, Alex Bump, Emil Andrae and Porter Martone, among others.
This has given Michkov a chance to interact with players his own age off the ice. That can affect a player’s demeanor in a positive way.
“If they need help, I will give it any time of day,” he said with a smile.
Barkey, who joined the Flyers at the midway point, said having a social circle can be beneficial.
“When I got called up, it was just me and him (Michkov),” Barkey said. “When ‘Bumper’ and ‘Marty’ came around, it really helped to have some familiar faces. They’re younger guys going through the same thing you are.
“You can relate to stuff like that. Just be there for each other as well on a personal level.”
Another benefit is the ability to improve all-around communication. People of a certain age might speak a slightly “different” language than a previous generation, so this type of situation can help break through that barrier.
“He’s getting a lot better,” Barkey said. “I think he’s come a long way this year. He understands very well and his communication is getting better and better. It’s getting easier to have conversations with him.”
Barkey can sense Michkov wants to do his best when it matters the most.
“I think it’s exciting for all of us,” Barkey said. “Making the playoffs, there’s a lot of excitement in the room because of that.
“Having young guys around him (Michkov), chatting with him has helped his overall mood. We’re just happy to be here and we like where this is going.”
Be the first to comment