Former top prospect Matvei Michkov shares the harshest lesson he's learned in the NHL
Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Matvei Michkov is facing some serious adversity right now as head coach John Tortorella tries to navigate a brutal sophomore slump in Philadelphia.
The hype train officially derailed after a spectacular rookie campaign that set sky-high expectations across the entire fan base.
With 29 points in 55 games this year, his elite offensive output has completely vanished into thin air. Opposing defensemen figured out his tendencies and forced him into making bad decisions along the perimeter.
The 21-year-old recently opened up to the media about the absolute hardest reality check of his young professional life.
He bluntly admitted that taking a massive four-month break during the offseason completely destroyed his on-ice timing and conditioning.
"If you take 4-month break it can reflect (in) your game. You just need to always focus on hockey. Don't let yourself get carried away for even a month. You have to be smart when you're training (over) the break. Don't (get hurt) but training must go (on)."
Michkov's biggest struggle this year
Philadelphia desperately needs his controlled entries and elite speed through the neutral zone firing on all cylinders to generate scoring chances.
Instead, he sits with a -7 rating while logging just 14:34 of average ice time per night on a struggling forward line. He went from being the absolute focal point of the offense to a middle-six afterthought fighting to regain his swagger.
Tortorella demands a heavy, 200-foot game from his wingers and refuses to tolerate sloppy habits in the defensive zone.
Earning his $950,000 cap hit requires crisp passing and solid execution every single shift against top-tier Metropolitan Division rivals.
Over his short NHL career, the highly touted Russian native has proven he possesses legitimate superstar scoring talent and incredible vision.
But natural skill alone simply doesn't survive the grueling 82-game marathon without a relentless and disciplined off-ice preparation routine.
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| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 24|111 ANSWERS Former top prospect Matvei Michkov shares the harshest lesson he's learned in the NHL Will Matvei Michkov bounce back and score 25 goals this season ? | ||
| Yes | 40 | 36 % |
| No | 71 | 64 % |
| List of polls | ||