For the first time in his NHL career, Philadelphia Flyers star Matvei Michkov dropped the gloves, picking up his first-career major penalty along the way.
It’s been a long time coming for the Flyers’ 21-year-old phenom, who has seemingly wanted to get into a tilt with someone on numerous occasions. Typically, one of his teammates comes to his defense and fights for him, or the referees just break it up.
Not this time.
Instead of being the player that someone needed to defend, Michkov came to the defense of 20-year-old rookie Denver Barkey, who was lit up by Blake Lizotte. It was a clean hit, certainly, but not one that would have made a fight shocking.
Barkey went down on open ice in the neutral zone. Once Michkov crossed paths with Lizotte, he wanted nothing more than to defend his teammate.
Lizotte, overall, matched up well with the Flyers winger. Lizzote is 5’9″, 179lbs per NHL.com, while Michkov is 5’10”, 172 lbs. This was just Lizotte’s second career NHL fight, per HockeyFights.com.
The bout may have been quick, and it may not have been in Michkov’s favor. However, it showed true leadership from the young star, stepping up to defend his teammate. There were not many positives from Thursday’s game, but that certainly was one.
WATCH: Matvei Michkov drops the gloves with Blake Lizotte in first career fight
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