‘Cold-Blooded’ Matvei Michkov Becomes Hero, Defeats Connor Bedard in First NHL Meeting

Philadelphia Flyers rookie Matvei Michkov and Chicago Blackhawks starlet Connor Bedard shared the ice at Wells Fargo Center on Saturday, facing each other for the first time since May 6, 2021.

Michkov and Bedard, representing Russia and Canada, respectively, went toe-to-toe in the gold medal game in the 2021 U18 World Junior Championships. Michkov had one goal and two assists in the 5-3 loss, while Bedard had one goal and one assist and became the youngest medallist in U18 history. And although Michkov led that tournament in scoring with 16 points, he came away only with a consolation prize.

Michkov still remembers that day and hopes the future Flyers and Blackhawks meetings write more chapters in the story of him and Bedard.

“It was really good to see him on the ice,” Michkov said via interpreter Slava Kuznetsov. “It was a long time we don’t play against each other. I hope it’s only the beginning.”

Michkov scored the game-winning goal for the Flyers against Bedard’s Blackhawks on Saturday, cashing in on a 4-on-3 power play in overtime to win the game, 3-2, slamming home an excellent pass from Travis Konecny.

Matvei Michkov prepared for Connor Bedard rematch

Bedard did not score a point for the Blackhawks against the Flyers on Saturday afternoon. He played only 18:05, won 28.6% of his faceoffs, and failed to register a shot on goal.

Michkov knows he did not see his Canadian counterpart at his best and expects a hotly contested rematch in the future.

Respect. 🤝#CHIvsPHI | #LetsGoFlyers pic.twitter.com/YluFlLiQts

— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) November 23, 2024

“I think he will try to get it back,” the Flyers rookie said of Bedard. “I have to be ready for it.”

For their next meeting against each other, Michkov and Bedard will have to wait until May 23, 2025, when Philadelphia visits Chicago towards the end of the 2024-25 season.

With his goal, Michkov is now up to seven goals, nine assists, and 16 points on the season. His four power play goals are second to only Konecny on the Flyers, and his two game-winning goals — both in overtime — lead the Flyers.

“When you get a moment, you have to be cold-blooded and finish it,” Michkov said of his game-winner against the Blackhawks.