Flyers’ Michkov, Andrae Take Advantage Of Opportunities Against Sharks – The Hockey Writers – Philadelphia Flyers

The Philadelphia Flyers (26.32 years) and San Jose Sharks (27.2 years) are among the NHL’s seven youngest teams. So, it was no surprise to see young talent making an impact when they faced off on Monday. The battle between Matvei Michkov and Macklin Celebrini, both top five in Calder Trophy odds (with Michkov the consensus favorite) largely lived up to the hype. Michkov tallied a goal and an assist but Celebrini was also noticeable and goated Michkov into a penalty at the end of regulation.

The game could have ended with Celebrini scoring the winner with Michkov in the box. Instead, it concluded with Celebrini being stopped by Sam Ersson in the shootout and Michkov dancing around Vitek Vanecek right after to score the winner. Quite the turn of events.

This was always going to be a big night for Michkov. Not only was he facing one of the few teenagers who could hang with him on a hockey rink, but it was his first night back in the Flyers lineup after a two-game stint in the press box.

“I watched the two games. It was good to watch and get some time off and everything,” said Michkov post-game, as translated by Flyers skating coach Slava Kuznetsov. “Plus being in Florida it’s a good time to get the good rest.”

Michkov Responds to Scratching Well

It would only be a good rest if Michkov responded to it with a good game. Fortunately, it didn’t take long for him to make his mark, setting up Travis Konecny for a one-timer that gave the Flyers a 2-0 lead late in the first period. Yes, it did come on the power play, which hasn’t been Michkov’s problem this season. But it was worth noting that the Flyers’ power play was in a 1/19 rut before that goal, so it’s not like the Flyers didn’t need a boost there.

However, Michkov showed real progress in his overall game. The Flyers collected 70.83% of the shot attempts (17-7) and 73.43% of the expected goals (0.66-0.24) with Michkov on the ice. And for those hoping for a more tangible, obvious power play, look no further than Michkov’s second-period breakaway goal. This time, he picked the right time to fly the zone, handled Ryan Poehling’s stretch pass in stride, and slid the puck through Vanecek’s legs to give the Flyers a 3-0 lead.

John Tortorella didn’t heap any praise on Michkov and called him out (as well as Sean Couturier and Owen Tippett) for extending their shifts late in the second…