Matvei Michkov, the 20‑year‑old Russian winger for the Philadelphia Flyers, publicly questioned his own output after a 7‑goal, 3‑assist surge, setting a clear goal to refocus before the team’s Olympic pause.
Self‑Critique and Current Form
Michkov admitted on Thursday that he is not happy with his points, saying, “What’s happening right now, I’m not feeling good about it, I’m not happy about my points, I’m sure I can do much better and make better for the team,” through translator Slava Kuznetsov.
He added that scoring every game is impossible, but physical readiness is essential, noting that “in February, I need to spend the time to be ready for the rest of the season.”
His comments come after a recent stretch of seven goals and three assists in the last 13 games, a sharp contrast to his first 13 games where he recorded only one goal.
Coaching Adjustments
Rick Tocchet, the Flyers’ head coach, emphasized that the coaching staff has been fine‑tuning its approach to Michkov.
“Yogi was talking to him, then Jay, then I was—earlier on, we were giving him so much information, I think we could frustrate him a little bit,” Tocchet said, noting that “the last three weeks, we’ve really dialed in how we do it.”
He added that “one coach has him for today. Hey, let’s give him a break today, let’s not talk even system, talk about anything or something else,” to prevent over‑coaching.
Training Plans and Olympic Break
Michkov said he will start training in Philadelphia rather than returning to Russia for the summer.
He explained, “I think I will start training here,” and the Flyers have no objection to players staying in the area to work out at the team’s facility under supervision.
Rick Tocchet echoed this sentiment, stating, “As a young kid, you always look at options to get better. Obviously there’s a lot of good stuff around here. If that’s his choice, we can help him.”
Statistical Snapshot
Across 26 games, Michkov has tallied eight goals and eight assists, placing him on pace for 25 goals and 25 assists by season’s end.
His early season performance included only one goal in the first 13 games, but the recent 7‑goal, 3‑assist run has markedly improved his numbers.
The Flyers’ coaching staff believes that “those things will come by doing the right things,” and that Michkov is “getting better at where to go in certain areas.”
Player’s Perspective
Michkov expressed confidence in his improvement, laughing that he feels “better, faster.”
He stressed that each game requires a little more effort, adding, “It’s not my maximum.”
He also said, “Concentrate on the work, deep into the work,” and that he “knows I’m talented and I just need to work.”
Recent Performances
In the last three games, Michkov recorded a pair of multi‑point efforts, indicating a positive trend.
He emphasized that he wants to “work until it’s going to happen,” and that he believes the effort will translate into better outcomes for the team.
The Flyers’ coaching staff is watching closely as he continues to refine his game.
Coaching Philosophy
Tocchet remarked, “I don’t want him to worry about points.”
He acknowledged that Michkov’s focus on goals and assists has been intense, but that “those things will come by doing the right things.”
The coaching staff has adjusted its communication strategy to avoid over‑coaching and over‑correcting.
Physical Readiness
Michkov highlighted the importance of physical preparation, noting that “you cannot score in every game, but physically need to be ready for it.”
He plans to use the Olympic break from February 6 to 24 to focus on conditioning and skill work.
The Flyers are supportive of his plan to stay in Philadelphia during this period.
Team Outlook
The Flyers are preparing for a stretch run after the Olympic break, and Michkov’s improvement is seen as a key component.
Coaches believe that his increased confidence and better understanding of the system will benefit the team.
They also note that the player’s willingness to adjust has been crucial.
Future Focus
Michkov is determined to keep improving, stating that he “just needs to work.”
He is focusing on both skill development and physical conditioning, with an eye toward contributing more consistently.
The coaching staff remains optimistic about his trajectory.
Key Takeaways
- Michkov publicly criticized his own performance, citing a desire to improve.
- Coaching staff has refined its approach to avoid over‑coaching.
- The player’s willingness to adjust has been a key step.
The 20‑year‑old winger’s candid remarks and the coaching staff’s adaptive strategy signal a concerted effort to elevate the Flyers a critical phase of the season.
