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Matvei Michkov of the Flyers scores two goals in the first period against the Oilers

Matvei Michkov of the Flyers scores two goals in the first period against the Oilers

EDMONTON, Alberta – Connor who?

The Matvei Michkov Show opened its curtain with a game against Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday night.

In his third game of the season, the Russian phenom had just one assist, a setup pass to Travis Konecny ​​on the power play in the Flyers' 6-3 loss to the Calgary Flames on Saturday night.

About 185 miles north of the Scotiabank Saddledome, in front of a packed Rogers Place crowd – mostly in orange for the Oilers – he doubled his point total with two goals. The game wasn't even 10 minutes old.

” READ MORE: Flyers ready for challenge of limiting Connor McDavid: 'We're going to need all six'

It took a while for Michkov's first NHL goal to become official. He knew it. The Flyers knew it. The referees needed another look.

On the power play, Owen Tippett attempted a backhand shot, but it hit the backboard and bounced toward the front of the net. Michkov jammed the puck even more on the right post and put it under the pad of Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner.

The puck clearly crossed the goal line before Skinner retrieved it, and after the referees agreed, Michkov was mobbed by his teammates on the bench. But then the Oilers called for goaltender interference. The video review showed that Michkov played the loose puck in the goal area and, after a delay, was able to celebrate his first of many goals.

He didn't have to wait long for many of them.

The Flyers didn't score on the ensuing power play, but got another chance when Corey Perry was called for hitting Scott Laughton in the neutral zone. As for that man advantage, Michkov said, let's make it two.

This goal was more obvious. Konecny ​​​​crossed the ice above the left faceoff circle to Morgan Frost at the right point. The center put the ball on the ground before sending a pass to Michkov – and the rookie didn't hesitate to put the pass into the net from the goal line.

The quick shot didn't give Skinner enough time to slip as the puck sneaked between the goalie and the post. He made the question, “Aren’t you entertained?” The reaction was huge and the Flyers fans in the stands certainly were too. For Oilers fans, not so much, because it was Michkov 2, Oilers 0.

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