It’s Finally Over: Matvei Michkov Returns to Flyers Lineup vs. Sharks After Benching

The wait is finally over: standout rookie Matvei Michkov, the reigning NHL Rookie of the Month, will be returning to the Philadelphia Flyers lineup ahead of Monday’s game against the San Jose Sharks following a two-game benching.

Michkov, 19, watched from the press box in each of the last two games – a Flyers shootout win over Tampa Bay, and a narrow shootout loss against Florida.

The good news for the young star is that the team struggled to facilitate offense in his absence, producing just one goal against Tampa and three against Florida. A total of four goals in two games is not going to do much for you in the NHL, and especially not against stronger teams like Florida, the reigning Stanley Cup champions.

Michkov has appeared in 13 games for the Flyers so far this season, recording four goals, six assists, and 10 points in spite of a minus-8 plus-minus rating. It is worth noting that only one of Michkov’s 10 points have come at 5-on-5 – a secondary assist – and he has yet to score at 5-on-5.

Stats that support Matvei Michkov’s return to Flyers lineup

The only other Flyers forwards who have not scored in that situation are centers Ryan Poehling and Noah Cates and enforcer Nick Deslauriers. Defensemen Egor Zamula, Emil Andrae, and Erik Johnson are the only other players without a 5-on-5 goal for Philadelphia this season.

Context, however, is equally as important as the raw numbers. Despite missing two games, Michkov is 7th in on-ice scoring chances for, with 77, per Natural Stat Trick. Owen Tippett (80) and Scott Laughton (78) have been on the ice for only a few more Flyers scoring chances despite playing in more games with more regular ice time.

Wild Forward Destroys Old Matvei Michkov Rumors

Additionally, Michkov’s on-ice shooting percentage is just 4.35%, the third-worst mark on the team, which means that the Flyers are not finishing their chances when Michkov is on the ice. If the 19-year-old rookie is going to take up the role of a playmaker, he needs his teammates to find the back of the net more frequently.

Everyone expected the defensive side of the game to take some time – and it has – but it is hard to pretend that Michkov has not been one of the team’s best and most efficient scoring chance creators this season.

Look for Michkov to get back on track on Monday night against the Sharks.