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Watch: Flyers’ Matvei Michkov Scores First NHL Goals

Originally posted on Philly Hockey Now
By Jonathan Bailey | Last updated 10/15/24

Matvei Michkov and the Philadelphia Flyers were, at least for a moment, the next beneficiaries of the Edmonton Oilers’ dismal start to the 2024-25 season.

Just 4:02 into Tuesday night’s contest, Oilers forward Zach Hyman was sent to the penalty box to serve a too many men on the ice penalty, giving the Flyers an early power play opportunity after an encouraging start to the game.

Owen Tippett’s shot attempt from close range bounced just wide of the net to the left of Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner, who thought he had control of the puck at the side of his cage on the rebound.

Then Michkov showed up.

The 19-year-old, who has endeared himself to his teammates, coaches, and even head coach John Tortorella himself with his competitiveness and aggression, took several whacks at Skinner’s left pad. And then he celebrated.

Nobody else was celebrating, and then his Flyers teammates tentatively joined him in celebration.

MATVEI MICHKOV'S FIRST NHL GOAL. THE BOYS ARE ECSTATIC.#LetsGoFlyers pic.twitter.com/IIgYqjMPGq

— Flyers Clips (@Flyers_Clips) October 16, 2024

And who would have guessed that Michkov scored his first NHL goal by poking at a loose puck, rather than finishing off a pretty passing play or ripping a blistering wrist shot?

It took a while for the goal to be officially awarded, though.

The officials first had to determine that the puck crossed the goal line to be considered a legal goal, which was done rather quickly.

Then, after that was established, Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch attempted to challenge the ruling for goalie interference.

The officials ruled that Michkov did not push Skinner’s pad into the net, granting the Flyers rookie his first NHL goal with another power play upcoming.

They say whatever you do once, you can do twice, right?

With the Oilers in the box again for an unsuccessful coach’s challenge, Michkov and the Flyers made Edmonton pay again.

MATVEI MICHKOV SECOND OF THE GAME!!! ITS SHOWTIME IN EDMONTON!!!!!#LetsGoFlyers pic.twitter.com/GlIDHSDI7L

— Flyers Clips (@Flyers_Clips) October 16, 2024

Travis Konecny held the puck up on the left wall, dishing the puck through a seam to a waiting Morgan Frost at the bumper. Frost quickly shifted the puck to his right to Michkov, who buried his one-timer through the armpit of Skinner, giving the Flyers an early 2-0 lead and recording his first two NHL goals.

Talk about scoring your first official Flyers goals in style?

This article first appeared on Philly Hockey Now and was syndicated with permission.

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