The Philadelphia Flyers faced off against the New York Rangers in the first game of the teams’ 2024 Rookie Series, coming away with a 3-3 tie in regulation, but ultimately losing in a shootout.
With dazzling displays by a number of players, this game gave Flyers fans plenty to talk about, and set the tone for the rest of this camp—there is exactly no room to be average.
Matvei Michkov Superstar
Let’s be real—is it any surprise that the 19-year-old forward had all eyes on him during this game?
It would be easy for such a hyped-up young player still adjusting to a new country, team, and language to buckle under the pressure, even just a little bit. Not Michkov. He looked supremely confident, putting his hockey IQ, creativity, and playmaking abilities on full display against the Rangers. He wasn’t afraid to get involved in the numerous scrums between players. He even scored his first goal in orange and black!
Lehigh Valley Phantoms head coach Ian Laperriere mentioned in his pre-game press conference that he knows that Michkov was heading into this game with the mentality of wanting to be the hero, and there’s no doubt that he accomplished just that.
The Big Three
Michkov and Jett Luchanko looked to be developing some great chemistry while on a line together during the first day of camp, and Laperriere expressed excitement at putting Elliot Desnoyers on that top line for this first game—where this line did not disappoint.
They were the standouts on offense against the Rangers, creating seemingly endless opportunities for the Flyers to score. In addition to reading the game incredibly well, Luchanko’s speed and Michkov’s creativity proved to be a lethal combination, repeatedly getting in behind the Rangers defense to give the Flyers offense some venom in front of the goal.
Let’s Get Physical
A game between the Flyers and the Rangers is rarely a dull affair, even between their rookies. There were plenty of altercations to keep fans entertained, including Hunter McDonald getting a serious knock under the chin, Spencer Gill looking ready to fight at center ice, and Sawyer Boulton proving that he’s his father’s son by sending a few Rangers players flying in the air and crashing hard on the ice.
It’s certainly driving home the message that these players have something to prove this week, and they’re making sure there are no questions about their commitment to impressing the higher-ups in the organization. Make no mistake—everyone wants to be a Flyer!
Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News
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