Philadelphia Flyers vs. Seattle Kraken Pick & Prediction OCTOBER 17th 2024
Preview and Prediction
Prior to the start of the season, Matvei Michkov was considered a top contender for the Calder Memorial Trophy, awarded to the league's best rookie.
The 19-year-old forward for the Philadelphia Flyers has not disappointed voters thus far.
Michkov netted his first two NHL goals, both on the man advantage, in a 4-3 overtime defeat against the defending Western Conference champions, the Edmonton Oilers.
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With three points in three games, Michkov will aim to add to his tally on Thursday as the Flyers conclude their four-game road trip against the Seattle Kraken.
Flyers forward Garnet Hathaway expressed his excitement for Michkov's success, stating, "You could see how thrilled he was and it's contagious. He brings that energy every day. It would have been great to get the win for him and make his night even more special. He's gained more confidence and I believe that will help him elevate his game."
Considered to have one of the most impressive talents in the 2023 NHL draft, Michkov was selected seventh overall due to uncertainty surrounding his move to North America. He had previously signed a contract with Russia's Kontinental Hockey League through the 2025-26 season, but the final two years were bought out in the offseason and he joined the Flyers.
Flyers coach John Tortorella praised Michkov's performance, saying, "I didn't know much about his play away from the puck, but he has quickly picked up on the things we've been trying to teach him since the start of the season. He's handled the pressure and spotlight surrounding him very well for a young player. He has a knack for scoring and is always in the right areas. That's what has drawn his teammates to him. It's not just his goals, but also the other things he brings to the table. He's a dynamic player and that's exactly the type of player we need to add to our roster to become a better team."
The Kraken are returning home after a successful 2-1-0 road trip to Minnesota, Dallas, and Nashville.
In their last game, Seattle scored four goals in the third period to secure a 7-3 victory over the Predators.
Kraken forward Chandler Stephenson, who recorded two assists in the game, commented on the team's win, saying, "It's a great boost for our morale and confidence. It's a win we can look back on and feel good about."
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Stephenson has been playing on a line with Jaden Schwartz, and Oliver Bjorkstrand joined them in their last game. Both Schwartz and Bjorkstrand had a goal and an assist, making them two of six Kraken players with multi-point games.
Stephenson spoke highly of his linemates, saying, "We've only played four games together with Schwartzy, but we've been communicating and getting more comfortable with each other. And Ollie is an elite shooter. Give him the puck and he'll put it in the back of the net."
Kraken defenseman Vince Dunn returned to the lineup after missing their last game with an upper-body injury.
Philadelphia Flyers vs. Seattle Kraken Recap FEB 16TH 2023
Yanni Gourde scored two goals and added an assist as the Seattle Kraken defeated the visiting Philadelphia Flyers 6-2 on Thursday night.
Jared McCann, Justin Schultz, Oliver Bjorkstrand and Matty Beniers also scored for Seattle, which extended its points streak to three games (2-0-1). Both victories have come against the Flyers, including a 4-3 decision Sunday in Philadelphia.
Seattle goaltender Philipp Grubauer made 17 saves.
Travis Konecny scored twice for the Flyers, who suffered their second consecutive defeat. Goalie Carter Hart, who played junior hockey in nearby Everett, Wash., was pulled with 8:34 remaining in the second period after allowing four goals on 19 shots. Samuel Ersson replaced Hart and stopped nine of the 11 shots he faced.
The Kraken took a 2-0 lead in the first period while outshooting Philadelphia 12-1.
McCann opened the scoring with a shorthanded goal at 3:01. He stole the puck in his own end, drove down the right wing on a two-on-one rush with Gourde and beat Hart with a wrist shot from the faceoff dot.
Gourde made it 2-0 at 14:39, redirecting Schultz's shot past Hart as the Kraken had an extra attacker on the ice on a delayed penalty call.
The Kraken scored three more times in the second.
Schultz made it 3-0 on the power play at 5:52 on a shot from the blue line, with Gourde setting a screen in front of Hart.
Bjorkstrand knocked out Hart after a breakaway goal at 11:26, set up by Gourde's backhanded pass from his own zone.
Gourde scored his second on the power play at 14:43, a blast from between the top of the faceoff circles after a pass from Jaden Schwartz.
Konecny spoiled Seattle's shutout bid, tipping Noah Cates' shot past Grubauer just 14 seconds into the third.
Beniers scored unassisted at 10:37.
Konecny tallied his second at 14:11, tapping the puck into the net after Cates' shot took a lively kick off the end boards.