Flyers Practice Notebook: Optional Skate; Michkov & Other Injury Update

VOORHEES, N.J. – After the Philadelphia Flyers’ dominating win vs. the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday, the team held a very optional practice at the Flyers Training Center on Wednesday.

Eight skaters and a goalie took the ice at practice: Matvei Michkov, Denver Barkey, Carl Grundstrom, Rodrigo Abols, Nikita Grebenkin, Emil Andrae, Noah Juulsen, and Sam Ersson.

There was not much going on at practice. With the number of players on the ice, it’s very understandable. Head coach Rick Tocchet said with the condensed schedule, managing his players’ minutes is crucial, which is why it was such a small skate.

Looking at the guys who did skate, it was the scratches and the goalie who did not play on Tuesday. There were a few young/newer guys looking to get some extra work in, and a player who missed the last game with an injury.

The Flyers did some uncontested rush work, starting from the point. Michkov looked very, very sharp in the drill. But again, with such a light practice, it’s sort of hard not to.

Bobby Brink and Jamie Drysdale were not at practice on Wednesday, unsurprisingly. After both players left the game with injuries on Tuesday, Tocchet said they are still being evaluated. So, no further updates.

However, regarding the potential absence of Brink, it sure seems like Tocchet has his eyes on Nikita Grebenkin as the fill-in on the Cates line, for now. He also mentioned Carl Grundstrom, but after Grebenkin.

Speaking of that line, Tocchet all but confirmed that Michkov will be back in the lineup on Wednesday. Tocchet said, “I’m pretty sure he’ll be back in tomorrow, unless he says something after practice.”

Michkov looked great at practice and seems like he’ll be good to go. He and Denver Barkey were the last two on the ice and were there for quite some time. They came into the locker room well after the room opened.

Read More: Bobby Brink, Jamie Drysdale Exit Flyers Game vs. Ducks on Tuesday With Injury

Vladar talks Olympics

With Dan Vladar being named to the Czech Olympic roster on a day when he was starting, he did not speak about being named an Olympian.

He spoke on the honor on Wednesday.

“It means a lot, especially growing up in a hockey country like Czechia. The Olympics, 1998, when the Czech team won, lots of memories, lots of highlights from that. It’s a dream come true for me, and I am really proud that I can go and be a part of the group.”

The Flyers’ netminder said he is focused on the Flyers’ season, with still half of the year to go. However, Vladar did say, “Once the break happens, Sanny, Risto, and Rod are going to be my enemies.” The Flyers’ netminder confirmed he will be talking trash.

Read More: Olympic Bound: Flyers’ Dan Vladar Named to Czech Olympic Team