Fresh off a standout rookie NHL campaign, Philadelphia Flyers Russian forward Matvei Michkov opened up about the high points of his first season.
In a wide-ranging interview, Michkov reflected on his performance this season and outlined a desire to do better. He also shrugged off not being nominated for the Calder Trophy and elaborated on interacting with fellow players, especially Montreal Canadiens’ teen signing Ivan Demidov.
Matvei Michkov’s Take on Achieving Success in the NHL
After stating that he wasn’t nominated for the Calder Trophy because he didn’t play well enough, in an interview published in Rg.org, Michkov agreed with many other Russian NHL players on the importance of defense to achieve success in the league.
“If you don’t play solid defense, it’s hard to succeed in the NHL. Hockey is a team game. The better you defend, the more chances you’ll get on offense. That’s something I’m working on,” the Russian forward said.
“I should’ve played better.”
Matvei Michkov opens up on missing the Calder shortlist, his bond with Demidov, and what he learned from John Tortorella in a revealing RG exclusive.
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Michkov’s rookie season was an impressive one; he tallied 63 points (26 goals, 37 assists) in 80 games. He was the leading rookie goal scorer this season. However, while he achieved individual success, he was more concerned with improving the Flyers’ poor performances.
“I think it was a great season. But I really want our team to make the playoffs every year and fight for the Stanley Cup,” he said.
The Flyers, who had a 33-39-10 record this season and finished at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, are looking to build a new unit and mount a realistic playoff challenge in the upcoming seasons. To that end, they signed Jack Adams Trophy holder Rick Tocchet as the franchise’s 25th head coach.
Tocchet was a Philadelphia player for over half of his NHL career and is known for creating miracles with underdog teams. Michkov also said he is looking forward to working with his new head coach.
“A new coach always means a fresh start. I don’t know him personally, so I can’t say much yet,” Michkov said. “I just hope I’ll have freedom on the ice. When I feel limited, I start focusing on the wrong things.”
During his official introduction as the Flyers’ head coach on Friday, May 16, Tocchet answered a question about his plan to handle Michkov.
“Talking to (Keith) Jonesy and Danny (Briere), he (Michkov) wants to be the best. That’s a good head start right there, that I get a guy who wants to be the best. He’s willing to do whatever that’s going to take. I’m very privileged to be able to coach a guy like that. I know the fans already love him here. Let’s see what happens in the next five years with this guy,” Tocchet said.
