The Washington Capitals recently secured a 4-3 win over the Philadelphia Flyers days before the NHL’s break for the 4 Nations Face-Off. Flyers star rookie Matvei Michkov had one of the best games of his young career in the loss, recording two goals and coming very close to completing his first career hat trick with a Michigan lacrosse-style shot.
Washington saw their own star Russian, Alex Ovechkin, nearly twice Michkov’s age, pot his 879th career goal in the win. Ovechkin, now on break in Miami, Florida, was asked by RG’s Sergey Demidov to give his take on Michkov’s rookie season performance after the recent firsthand experience against his young peer.
“Michkov is a great guy; he’s doing well,” Ovechkin said to Demidov. “He played against us recently, so I got to see him. But I wish he would show off a little less. Otherwise, everything is great.”
Ovechkin was then asked about the future of Ivan Demidov, the Montreal Canadiens’ top prospect, drafted fifth overall in the 2024 NHL Draft. The 19-year-old Demidov has 45 points (19g, 26a) in 53 games for the KHL’s SKA St. Petersburg this season, and Ovechkin’s advice for him was similar to his words about Michkov.
“Work, and everything will be fine,” Ovechkin said. “The most important thing is not showing off. Because when anyone shows off, it can come back to bite you in a big way.”
Ovechkin’s comments come after Michkov failed to convert his Michigan attempt against the Capitals, and Washington tied the game just 1:08 later. Despite his head coach John Tortorella’s pleas, Michkov hasn’t stopped attempting the move in games this year.
Michkov was seen trying to perfect the lacrosse shot at practice just a day after Capitals netminder Charlie Lindgren stuffed his attempt. Tortorella has admitted he abandoned trying to get the young winger to stop using the move.
Ovechkin is familiar with taking intense criticism for what others would perceive as showboating.
Famously, Ovechkin drew heat from Don Cherry, the former Hockey Night in Canada staple, for his “hot stick” celebration after scoring his 50th goal of the 2008-09 season against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Cherry labeled the celebration “classless” and said Ovechkin should be more of a “role model.”
Ovechkin later made light of Cherry’s comments pantomiming a robot in an interview segment with Rachel Nichols.
Ovechkin’s advice comes with historical context, too. While Michkov is one of the main stars of the Flyers, he is not producing as Ovechkin once did in his early years. The 20-year-old, 2023 first-round draft pick has 36 points (16g, 20a) in 55 games this season.
Michkov has just nine points (5g, 4a) in 22 games since the holiday break after recording 27 points (11g, 16a) in his first 33 games. He is third in overall rookie scoring behind Montreal’s Lane Hutson (41) and San Jose’s Macklin Celebrini (40).
While Tortorella may not be able to get through to the talented forward, the advice from Ovechkin, his legendary countryman, may resonate more. The Capitals and Flyers will play once more this season on March 20 at Capital One Arena.
