In their fourth preseason game, the Philadelphia Flyers defeated the Boston Bruins 3-2 in overtime. While preseason wins and losses don’t matter, the on-ice package certainly does. The win was a big one for Philadelphia as it was the first time all three Russian players took the ice together.
Flyers come together to protect prized rookie Matvei Michkov
While it was massive that Rasmus Ristolainen scored the first goal for Philadelphia and looks healthy again, it’s what happened before his snapshot that should spark intrigue. Bruins’ defenseman Billy Sweezey was getting a little chippy with Matvei Michkov. Luckily, the captain, Sean Couturier, handled business with an excellent preseason fight to ensure the young Michkov is kept safe. This fight got the entire Wells Fargo Center on their feet since this set the tone for what would happen if an opposing player tried messing with Michkov.
Impressively, Michkov scored in the power play in the second frame, but his positioning in the power play unit was beneficial. He tries to set up the play and inserts himself near the net, this time by the post. The rookie also adds an element of offensive pressure rarely seen on the power play last season. This aspect of his game is so unique and it shows how smart he is on the ice while making a split decision.
The Boston Bruins didn’t learn their lesson. A little later on, Flyers’ Hunter McDonald got sent to the box for Roughing against Boston’s Matthew Poitras, who should have been sent as well, but that penalty was never called. The biggest takeaway is that players such as Hunter McDonald, who are trying to make the team themselves, jump in to protect Michkov. It is incredible to see how fast the team came together over the past few games in protecting their star player.
Overtime hockey is incredible during the regular season and playoffs, but with the game tied at two a piece in the preseason, there was only one way the story should have concluded, with Michkov scoring the overtime goal. The forward has played in three preseason games, tailing up six points already with three assists and three goals. The final sequence of last night’s game between the Flyers and Bruins was Konecny driving the puck up the ice to Michkov; who took his time as he set up an incredible wrist shot to score; the buzz was felt inside the Wells Fargo Center again.
This previewed how the regular season will look in South Philadelphia.
The Flyers are on the road on Monday against the New York Islanders and Tuesday against the Boston Bruins. Philadelphia returns home Thursday for their final preseason game against the New Jersey Devils.
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
