The first NHL meeting between Matvei Michkov and Connor Bedard occurs this afternoon when the Philadelphia Flyers (8-10-2) host the Chicago Blackhawks (7-12-1) at Wells Fargo Center in South Philly. Bedard was selected first overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, while Michkov slid down the draft board to Philadelphia at the 7th choice in a massive night in Nashville for the future of both of the iconic NHL clubs.
Philadelphia’s rookie, Michkov, is tied with Dallas’ Logan Stankoven with 15 points through 18 games at the top of the race for the NHL’s Calder Trophy, which was won last season by Bedard. Chicago’s sophomore center scored 22 goals and 39 assists in 68 games last season for the Blackhawks before adding the NHL’s Rookie of the Year trophy to his mantle last summer. Bedard has struggled to find offense as the young forward only has 3 goals in 2024.
Alexei Kolosov gets the start in net for Philadelphia. Kolosov is still looking for his first NHL win entering his fifth game. The 22-year-old netminder owns a 3.71 goals against average and .870% (save percentage) this season for the Flyers.
Most Recent Matchups for Philly & Chicago
The Flyers lost to the Carolina Hurricanes, 4-1, in their last outing on Wednesday. After hanging with the Hurricanes for the first two periods, turnover issues cost the Flyers dearly in the defeat. Philly finished the game with 25 turnovers.
Chicago stunned the Florida Panthers with a 3-1 win two nights ago at United Center. The Blackhawks have won back-to-back games once this season on Nov. 2 and Nov. 3. Chicago will look to build upon a win against the defending Stanley Cup Champions during their last NHL contest.
Reinforcements Return for Flyers
The Flyers’ banged-up blueline could get some help with all three day-to-day defensemen practicing without restrictions on Friday. Jamie Drysdale seems to be the least likely to play as he did not join practice on the power play yesterday, which he normally would to prepare for game-day action. Cam York is scheduled to return, sending Egor Zamula to a press box seat this afternoon. Emil Andrae has been practicing but will not enter the lineup today.
Center Morgan Frost returns to the lineup after a multiple-game press box stint. This season has been a struggle for the 25-year-old center. Frost has one goal and five assists in 16 games this season. Last season, Philadelphia could consistently count on points from Frost, who collected 41 points in 71 games in a top-six role for John Tortorella. Anthony Richard has been loaned back to Lehigh Valley to accommodate Frost’s return to the lineup.
Chicago’s Lackluster Offensive in 2024
The Blackhawks rank 30th out of 32 teams in offense as the NHL closes the book on the first 25% of the 2024-25 regular season this weekend. Chicago’s 2.33 GPG (goals per game) ranks slightly ahead of Boston (2.33) and Nashville (2.30). The Flyers rank 21st in the NHL with 2.70 goals a contest.
Even though he only has three goals, Bedard drives Chicago’s scoring, providing a team-high 15 assists for the Blackhawks this season. Like Michkov, Bedard is most dangerous on the power play when he has time and space to operate. He has collected six points with the man advantage this season compared to Michkov’s eight power-play points.
How to Watch
Tonight’s battle between Philadelphia and Chicago will be broadcast nationally on the NHL Network. Tim Saunders and Todd Fedoruk will call the action on 97.5 The Fanatic and Flyers Radio 24/7. Game time is scheduled for 1 pm EST at Wells Fargo Center in South Philadelphia.
Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
