Flyers

This Fan-Made Matvei Michkov Ice Time Tracker Will Convince You He Needs to Play More

By Matt Schultz

Published: Nov 10th, 2026 · 1:02 PM EST

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A fascinating divide has been forged among Flyers fans this season, and the side that one chooses to stand on says a lot about them. The issue at hand, of course, is that of Matvei Michkov.

Is Rick Tocchet stifling his creativity, or is he teaching Michkov how to play unselfishly in a system? Does Michkov’s sheer talent entitle him to more shifts, or does he need to learn to play “the right way,” take care of the puck, and put in an effort on the defensive end to earn his ice time? Do the Flyers need to adapt to fit around Michkov, or does Michkov have to adapt to fit on the Flyers?

It’s a debate that will probably rage on for the rest of the season, and maybe beyond — but from where I’m sitting, one thing seems abundantly clear. The fan who made this Michkov Ice Time Tracker is on the “Flyers need to play Michkov more” side of history, and they make a pretty compelling argument:

First things first: this site looks awesome. Look at video-game-looking Michkov. If I’m Michkov, I’d consider framing this and hanging it over my fireplace. Maybe a few other spots around the house, too. Bathroom art. Nightstand. Looks great:

As far as the site’s actual content goes, it does a good job of making me think, “What the hell… Michkov should be playing way more than this… This is some bullshit…” Some stats that stand out in particular:

• Michkov is 6th on the Flyers in ice time despite racking up 10 goals in 20 games — 5 of them on the power play. He’s at 1.89 goals and 2.64 points per 60 minutes of ice time this season. That’s very good.
• He’s currently playing almost a full minute less per game than he did as a rookie.
• Why is Travis Konechny getting over a minute more of ice time per game? TK is at 16:54; Michkov is at 15:53. Konechny has 2 goals this season. What are we doing? (Kinkead: it’s because TK is a veteran and wears a letter)
• Michkov is producing way more than just about every player around the league with similar ice time. Why is he on the ice less than Michael Rasmussen (1 goal, 3 assists in 18 games)? Eetu Luostarinen (2 G, 2 A in 18 GP?) Lars Eller (1 G, 7 A in 18 GP)?

Great stuff here. Reading through the site has made me sufficiently mad. The Flyers are lost. Someone send this to Tocchet.