The play of Matvei Michkov has been under a microscope all season long, the primary talking point of any social media discourse and certainly a popular topic within the Philadelphia Flyers organization. On Thursday night, all of the noise surrounding Michkov’s sophomore slump were certainly silenced.

Michkov scored two goals, including the overtime game-winner in a 3-2 comeback win over the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.

How It Happened

The Rangers were the more dominant team early and finally turned it into a goal at 9:56. A turnaround shot from distance by Sam Carrick beat Sam Ersson to make it 1-0 Rangers.

Just 1:23 into the second period, the Rangers extended the lead to two. Alexis Lafreniere scored his 13th goal of the season on a nice passing play. The Flyers got on the board at 10:25 with a power-play goal, as Noah Cates set up Michkov for a one-timer.

It took just 39 seconds of the third period for the Flyers to tie the game. Trevor Zegras got the puck on a two-on-one and fired a shot past Igor Shesterkin for his 21st goal of the season.

Michkov took a goalie interference penalty late in regulation. Fresh from the box in overtime, Michkov took advantage of tired Rangers on the ice, streaking past J.T. Miller before beating Shesterkin through the five-hole for his second goal of the game and 15th goal of the season.

Box Score1st Period2nd Period3rd PeriodOvertimeBy the NumbersShots: Flyers: 24, Rangers: 25Power Play: Flyers: 0-for-2, Rangers: 0-for-1Faceoffs: Flyers: 36.7%, Rangers: 63.3%Goalie: PHI Sam Ersson: 23 saves on 25 shots, NYR Igor Shesterkin: 21 saves on 24 shotsKey Performers

⭐ Matvei Michkov — Two goals, including the game-winner out of the penalty box in overtime, showed Michkov’s poise and could be what ignites a strong second half. Suddenly, the Flyers forward is up to 15 goals on the season, and coming close to last season’s total is achievable.

⭐⭐ Trevor Zegras — Zegras’ 21st goal of the season tied the game early in the third.

⭐⭐⭐ Will Cuylle — Cuylle had the primary assist on Lafreniere’s goal, and chipped in with two blocked shots, two hits, while being perfect in the face-off circle.

The Takeaway

Certainly an ugly start, but the Flyers get the desired result despite all of the usual struggles. A weak goal allowed by Ersson. Another tic-tac-toe passing goal against. But the play of Michkov really lifts this win higher than most the Flyers have had recently. If there’s anything more important than stringing together enough wins for a playoff run, it’s making sure that Michkov gets back on track, regardless of results. That was off to a good start on Thursday.

Up Next

The Flyers are back on the ice on Saturday afternoon to take on the Boston Bruins at 3 PM.

Kevin Durso is Flyers insider for 97.3 ESPN. Follow him on social media @Kevin_Durso.

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