Matvei Michkov is off to a strong start with the Philadelphia Flyers — healthy scratches and all. The rookie phenom is up to 12 points in 14 games after a two-point performance against fellow youngster Macklin Celebrini and the San Jose Sharks on Monday night.
Michkov showed some of his competitive edge in that one, even if it may have cost his team a two-minute penalty kill to begin overtime. Teams have been targeting the rookie all season long, and that continued on Monday night with Erik Johnson stepping in to fight Givani Smith after the two were dueling at the faceoff circle.