Matvei Michkov prevents a goal… from his own teammate

One thing is for sure, Matvei Michkov is full of talent.

His 27 points in 30 games in his rookie season demonstrate this well.

However, he has often been criticized for his defensive game and his behavior.

And on this Saturday afternoon, during a matchup between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Minnesota Wild, Michkov seems to have taken notes on defensive play.

He even prevented a sure goal… from his own teammate Travis Konecny.

And people say he’s not good defensively https://t.co/vUtMHKrlSG

— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) December 14, 2024

Incredible…

John Tortorella has probably talked to him about his shortcomings, and Michkov probably misunderstood his coach.

He prevented a goal and it was well thought out… if it wasn’t his teammate who was about to score.

As Pete Blackburn succinctly stated in his retweet above: “And people say he’s not good defensively.”

The defensive IQ of the Russian may not be very high.

Following this game, the excellent page Big Head Hockey published a summary of his performance this afternoon.

Matvei Michkov today:

— -1 goal
— -2 plus/minus

He’s doing things we didn’t even know were possible in the NHL. pic.twitter.com/U3KjWPH5cP

— Big Head Hockey (@BigHeadHcky) December 14, 2024

“He’s doing things that no one thought were possible in the NHL.”

I love this comment.

-1 goal and -2 plus/minus, that’s something…

Michkov’s defensive game: another dilemma to solve for Tortorella.

Maybe he will have to give up this battle, just as he has given up the debate over Michigan goals.

“I’ve lost the battle…I don’t think it should be in our game.”

Torts on Michkov’s Michigan attempts. pic.twitter.com/VXB7Fr3Lj9

— Spittin’ Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) December 13, 2024

At least, Torts can count on the offensive contributions of his young protégé, even if he does not have a candidate for the Frank J. Selke Trophy (best defensive forward).

In brief
– Good news for the Laval Rocket.

Jakub Dobes and Filip Mesar traveled with the @RocketLaval this weekend. They will not play tonight.

BUT. They are practicing regularly with the group. So there is a real chance to see them back tomorrow in Bridgeport.

Wonderful news.

— Vincent Demuy (@VDemuy) December 14, 2024

– We’re getting attached, everyone.

Florian’s “celly”
Flo’s celly??#GoRocket pic.twitter.com/CkKKYHYq6Y

— Laval Rocket (@RocketLaval) December 14, 2024

– We can expect a big tournament for Schaefer who has strong reasons for competition.

Team d-man Matthew Schaefer, 17, is dedicating his World Junior performance to his mom, who passed away in February, & @ErieOtters owner Jim Waters, who died suddenly on Fridayhttps://t.co/SeXXgTNobo

— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) December 14, 2024

– Worth reading.

He’s putting pressure on the Blue Jays about this. https://t.co/jJ78WdToKv

— Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) December 14, 2024