Matvei Michkov Shows New Speed and English Skills at Flyers Camp
The Flyers winger completed his first English-language press conference and displayed improved conditioning and a sharper one-timer.
Matvei Michkov completed his first full news conference in English on Thursday after the Philadelphia Flyers opened training camp.
Translator Slava Kuznetsov was available, but Michkov answered every question himself. The winger admitted he was nervous before telling reporters, "I think Philly is my second home."
Michkov also made an impression on the ice. The Flyers said he arrived in significantly better condition than he did last September, moved through drills with more pace and scored twice with the one-timer he worked on during the summer.
Michkov said he felt lighter and faster after improving his diet. Coach Rick Tocchet also noted his quickness, the time he spent on his shot and the pace he set during conditioning laps.
Philadelphia began installing systems on the opening day of camp. With the NHL reducing each team's preseason schedule from six games to four, the Flyers are working with a shorter evaluation window before the regular season.
