The first of the back-to-back 2024 Rookie Series between the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers is in the books.
Though this is a rookie series, some prospects are beginning their battle for more attention and potential ice time. Others are hoping to scrap into an NHL role. However, the fans mainly focused on watching Matvei Michkov hit the ice for the first time in a Flyers sweater in a game situation, even if it was an exhibition.
Missing, on Philadelphia, in this game due to health were Denver Barkey and Carter Sotheran. Scratches from the first tilt of the 2024 Rookie Series also included Zayde Wisdom, Emile Chouinard, Helge Grans, and Matteo Mann.
First Period
Carson Bjarnason occupied the crease for the Flyers, and Dylan Garand opposed him at the opposite end of the ice for the Rangers.
Hemmed in the defensive zone to begin the first period was not the start Ian Laperrière hoped to see, and it got worse before it improved. Hunter McDonald served an early penalty for interference.
“I didn’t like our first ten minutes, but the rest of it, I loved it. They compete, they try hard. Like I told them, ‘Be yourself, try to make plays if you’re a playmaker, and if you’re physical, be physical.’ From the top guys; Michkov, Luchanko, and Desnoyers, to the bottom line; like Gaucher’s line, were physical, and that’s their job. I’m proud of them. They did what they were supposed to do. Obviously we didn’t get the win, but there’s a lot of positive.” – Ian Laperrière; 9/13/2024
Adam Edström gave New York a lead, 1-0, scoring a rebound goal on the first powerplay. At this rate, Philadelphia trailed early and lacked a motor without their first line on the ice.
Searching for a spark, Sawyer Boulton began thumping bodies, whether or not he was supposed to be on the receiving end of a hit. A sign that Boulton could be someone to grow in the Flyers’ system, akin to Nicolas Deslauriers, was during the morning skate when he worked on his grappling and fighting techniques with Mann. In this game, Boulton was a wrecking ball, and Philadelphia, if they keep with the trend of an extra forward to protect the high-end talent, might keep an eye on his development.
Jon-Randall Avon and Samu Tuomaala showed off their skating prowess in space. They flew through the neutral zone and presented some dangerous chances on the attack. However, Elliot Desnoyers, Jett Luchanko, and Michkov on the top line sustained pressure on Garand in the first period. Also, if John Tortorella is looking for something to take with Michkov away from the puck, it should be that he did backcheck and created offense by supporting the defense.
Alexis Gendron tied the game, 1-1, with 1:06 remaining in the first period. Spencer Gill did a spectacular job of putting the puck on the net, then Gendron presented his stick, deflecting the puck past Garand.
Second Period
The Flyers began the second period on the powerplay, but it was shortlived after Santeri Sulku served a minor penalty for tripping. However, Philadelphia did improve from their first penalty-killing opportunity in the first period, successfully killing their second chance. Overall, they finished 3/4 on the penalty kill.
On the next powerplay chance, the Flyers experienced a different outcome. Nathan Aspinall and Adam Sýkora settled in the penalty box, and Philadelphia had a five-on-three advantage.
Michkov converted on the powerplay, providing the Flyers with their only lead, 2-1, with 11:02 remaining in the second period. He played below the goal line, accepting the feed from Luchanko. In all, Philadelphia finished 1/4 on the powerplay.
Edström scored again, potting another rebound against Bjarnason. Bjarnason battled traffic, but New York locked up the score before the final period of regulation play, 2-2.
Third Period
Everyone expected the shifty, highlight-reel plays from Michkov. He did score on the powerplay, but it was a greasy goal earned below the goal line. The most exceptional skill on display was his decision-making when passing. Some defenders were stuck, adjusting to the play, and Michkov was ahead of the beat.
“We had so many penalties in the second period, he [Michkov] didn’t touch the ice as much as we like to, but in the third, I double shift him, and everybody likes to play a lot, but he’s in great shape, so he can handle it. He made plays on the powerplay, five-on-five, plays out of nothing, and that’s a special gift that he’s got. I can’t wait to see his development. He’s not playing tomorrow, so I won’t coach him tomorrow.” – Ian Laperrière; 9/13/2024
Kalle Väisänen put the Rangers ahead on an odd-man rush, 3-2. Sýkora led the rush, centered the puck, and Väisänen successfully poked the puck past Bjarnason for another lead.
Garand denied a few late scoring chances from Gill, Tuomaala, and Michkov. He was tough to solve, outlasting the final powerplay chance of the game. In the final stretch of regulation, Laperrière pulled Bjarnason, electing for the extra attacker in a six-on-five situation.
After Gill made an incredible play to ward off the empty-net goal opportunity for New York, Massimo Rizzo forced overtime, 3-3. Emil Andrae and Oliver Bonk were credited with assists, moving the puck, and taking a shot on Garand. Rizzo stuffed home the rebound with 14 seconds left in the third period.
Overtime and Shootout
Three-on-three tested Bjarnason and Garand. Sýkora nearly scored the game-winner, but Bjarnason had help from his defense to be sure the puck did not cross the goal line. At the opposite end, Garand stopped a game-winning effort by Michkov. Both goaltenders turned in solid performances. Andrae had a clear chance after Michkov, but Garand denied another game-winning opportunity.
Brennan Othmann scored the game-winning goal in a shootout. Garand denied Avon, Michkov, and Luchanko to secure the win, 4-3.
