The Matvei Michkov era has kicked off in Philadelphia. Making his Flyers debut Sunday afternoon in Washington against the Capitals.
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Phantoms head coach Ian Laperriere, manning the bench today, said before the game the plan for Michkov was to play… play a lot. And, well, that is what they did.
Michkov led all Flyers forwards in ice time. Finishing with 19:14 of ice time in his first preseason game.
While Michkov did get the primary assist on the Flyers opening goal, his play throughout the rest of the game was sort of non-existent. Looking a bit slow and not up to the game speed of the NHL. Which, Michkov admitted himself after the game he needs to work on while learning the North America game.
However, that did not stop his skill from showing on multiple occasions. Getting the ou’s & oa’s from the Washington faithful in attendance. Finishing the day with two assists in his debut.
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Bobby Brink Shines
In what could be his biggest training camp of his Flyers career, Bobby Brink started it off great. Scoring the Flyers first goal of the preseason.
Brink, who is in his third training camp with the Flyers, is fighting for not only a spot in the opening night lineup. But, also on the Flyers roster.
Last season, Brink made a strong push during training camp and won a spot in the opening night lineup. But, after an up & down season, including a send down to Lehigh Valley, Brink is in need of another strong camp to make the Flyers this season.
In 14:14 of ice time, Brink finished with two goals.
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Ivan Fedotov Impressive Debut
Head coach John Tortorella admitted on Thursday that they may have ran Samuel Ersson into the ground towards the end of the season. Which, was a clear result of their non-existent backup goalie spot for the latter part of the season.
This year, Ivan Fedotov will be tasked with that position. A position that will play a key role if the Flyers will take the next step in their rebuild.
In his limited time last season, Fedotov showed some promise. Even after playing a full season in the KHL… moving halfway across the world… and well you get the jest.
In his first preseason action, Fedotov stopped 10 of the 12 Capitals shots fired his way.
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Loose Pucks…
- The Flyers put a ton of work in the offseason with their power-play. Enlisting the help of many Flyers senior management staff to help. In their first game with their new concepts, the Flyers PP went 2 for 3.
- Jamie Drysdale, who had offseason sports hernia surgery, looked like the Jamie Drysdale of old. Fast… physical… explosiveness… Drysdale seems to be back to his old self being healthy for the first time in two seasons.
- Flyers 1st round draft pick from this year Jett Luchanko displayed his all around skillset in his debut. His vision, elusiveness, and speed – the traits the Flyers saw in their pre-draft scouting – were on full display in his Flyers debut.
PHOTO CREDIT: John McCreary/NHLI via Getty Images
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