Michkov Mania officially hits Philly as Russian rookie earns roaring ovation in Flyers' home opener
Philadelphia Flyers' Matvei Michkov skates on to the ice during pre-game introductions before an NHL hockey game against the Vancouver Canucks, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, in Philadelphia. Credit: AP/Derik Hamilton
PHILADELPHIA — His surname flashed on ice in bold -- MICHKOV -- as Philadelphia Flyers’ fans roared and flames burst upward as part of the pregame pageantry the moment Matvei Michkov was introduced at the home opener.
Considered the most no-doubt-about-it Flyers’ prospect since Eric Lindros and perhaps the most sensational rookie out of Russia since Alexander Ovechkin and and Evgeni Malkin in 2005, Michkov was set to give Flyers fans a glimpse of what all the buzz was about since he was drafted in 2023.
Lindros. Ovechkin. Malkin. Those are big skates to fill — and a fast first week of production only heightened the hype to the opener.
The 19-year-old Michkov scored his first two NHL goals in just his third career game against Edmonton and had four total points in a 1-2-1 season-opening road trip.
Michkov Mania is officially a Philly thing.
“I’m calling it now,” Flyers fan Patrick Langton said in the parking lot, “he’s going to score a goal.”
The Philly pregame party scene seemed like a Michkov fashion show from the moment fans pulled into Wells Fargo Center parking lots. Most Flyers fans that grilled burgers and hot dogs wore No. 39 jerseys in honor of their new favorite player.
Philadelphia Flyers' Matvei Michkov warms up before a preseason NHL hockey game against the New York Islanders, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, in Philadelphia. Credit: AP/Matt Slocum
For the fans that didn’t quite have one yet by the opening faceoff?
No worries.
Flyers fans snaked around merchandise stores and spilled into the concourse throughout the arena ahead of Saturday night's game against Vancouver clutching $199.99 Michkov jerseys -- that’s a lot of rubles -- to pull on the moment they hit the concourse.
“He’s the future.” Flyers fan Nick Griffoni said. “He’s going to bring us a chip.”
Philadelphia Flyers' Matvei Michkov walks off the ice after warming-up before a preseason NHL hockey game against the New York Islanders, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, in Philadelphia. Credit: AP/Matt Slocum
Griffoni, of Merchantville, New Jersey, stood in line with his No. 39 jersey — right behind two other fans about to purchase Michkov jerseys.
“I’ve seen him play,” Griffoni said. “If you have YouTube, you’ve seen him play.”
During the first intermission, a Flyers fan in a No. 39 Michkov jersey shot pucks to try and win tickets to an upcoming boxing card.
Flyers coach John Tortorella cautioned during training camp the team would not morph into the “Mischa Show” and he planned to temper expectations for the 5-10, 176-pound right wing.
As for a first-week review, Tortorella blew off his scheduled pregame availability with the press, citing meetings.
Langton, of Atco, New Jersey, was a season-ticket holder until he was turned off by overpriced tickets for a failing franchise. These days, Langton pretty much only forks over cash for "the big games.”
Like Michkov’s home debut.
He wore a Michkov jersey and was part of a group of 10 fans enjoying a tailgate full of anticipation to get a glimpse of the Russian rookie.
“I really do think he’s the future of the organization,” Langton said. “He’s got the skillset that we’ve been yearning for for a while. He can put the puck in the net.”
The franchise will mark 50 years this season since they last won a Stanley Cup championship. Philadelphia lost in the Stanley Cup finals in 1976, 1980, 1985, 1987, 1997 and 2010. Most of the last 15 years have been a loss — both in wasted seasons and in a generation of Flyers fans who don’t really know how understand just how much the orange-and-black meant to the city.
Attendance has waned through the last decade as coaches were cycled through and the Wells Fargo Center mostly sat empty each postseason.
The Flyers preached patience when they selected Michkov with the seventh pick in the 2023 draft, knowing he had three years left on his KHL contract. They instead only had to wait a year and now Michkov just might expedite the Flyers’ rebuild.
Flyers general manager Danny Briere and team president Keith Jones have orchestrated a rebuild that had the Flyers -- who haven’t made the playoff since 2020 -- on the cusp of postseason play last season.
With Michkov in the mix, expectations have soared -- oh, and the arena was packed Saturday night.
“During their high points, it was can’t-miss TV,” Langton said. “They lost a little bit of their attitude. I feel like with Jonesy and Briere, the culture is coming back.”
Hey, maybe Michkov can bring some culture to the Flyers’ fanbase.
“I would like to ask him how to say, ‘Go birds,’ in Russian,” Langton said.
