Matvei Michkov Scores Twice, Flyers Take Down Avalanche for Second-Straight Win
Philadelphia Flyers' Matvei Michkov celebrates after scoring a goal during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Colorado Avalanche Monday, Oct. 19, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
The Flyers’ young lineup found a way to come up with their grittiest game of the season, taking on the defending Presidents’ Cup winners, and played a confident game where everyone had a hand in the 3-2 win — their second win in a row after their horrible start.
With Alex Bump and Cole Knuble being called up ahead of Monday night’s contest, the Flyers kept the energy level up against the oldest team in the NHL, the Colorado Avalanche.
The Flyers picked up where they left off on Saturday and got on the board first; however, this time it was Matvei Michkov on the power play, but it was not without drama as Josh Manson pushed Porter Martone into Avalanche goalie Mackenzie Blackwood. After a long review, Toronto called it a good goal, taking the early lead.
In the second period, Michkov showed he wasn’t done. After missing a between-the-legs deke, he held onto the puck around the goalie and took a wrist shot from the high point and floated it past Blackwood for his sixth goal of the season and his fourth in the last three games.
Martin Necas got the Avalanche on the board with a slap shot that got past Joseph Woll as the power play ended, making the game 2-1. In the third, Noel Acciari got a redirected Oliver Bonk shot to get his first goal as a member of the Flyers and restore the 3-1 lead. T.J. Hughes pulled the Avalanche to within one with a shot on goal past Woll to make the game 3-2.
Even though the last two minutes were threatening, the Flyers held on for their second win in a row.
Aggressive Play Was the Missing Ingredient
Something that was missing in the Flyers’ nine-game winless streak was any kind of fight, and in this game, the Flyers started fast, and they did it with speed and by winning the board battles. The Avalanche started to play more like their reputation, but in the first period, the young Flyers played perhaps their best period of the season, outshooting the Avalanche 13-8.
The Flyers came into this game with something to prove, and with it being the return game for Bump and Knubel’s debut, most didn’t know what to expect against one of the favorites in the West.
The first period showed that the Flyers’ young lineup was not going to back down to the experience and pedigree of the Avalanche roster. The competitive level has returned to what it was at the end of last season. That had been the missing element, and this game proves that.
Michkov Tilting the Ice for the Flyers
Michkov has had an interesting offseason and start of the season. He spent the entire Summer working on his physical conditioning, his hockey skills, and his English, trying to be the best teammate he can. This has paid off for not just Mickov, but also for the Flyers around him.
His power-play goal in the first period was his third power-play goal of the season. With the weakness on the power play for the Flyers over the past couple of seasons, the connection of Martone and Michkov on the power play seems to be the magic the team has been missing for the past five seasons.
Woll Stands Tall vs. High-Powered Offense
Woll had another sharp game for the Flyers in net, making 24 saves and holding tight all night. Though the stats aren’t the best so far, the Flyers’ goalies have kept them in games. Colorado’s forecheck is one of their strengths, and Woll kept the Flyers in this game long enough for them to gain confidence.
The first goal he gave up was on a slap shot from a sniper, and the second one was on a play where he was caught out of position after a broken-up play in front of the crease. While he had a chance to stop these, he held Colorado off all game. Without him battling, the Flyers were in this game at all.
It seemed like every chance the Avalanche had was a high-pressure situation, and Woll held the line. He held up against the exciting 6-on-5 flurry at the end of regulation to seal the most impressive win of the season for the Flyers so far.
Steve Hamilton
Steve may have been born in California, but don’t let that fool you. After dating a local woman and clashing with her and her family over sports for decades, he has an affinity for Philly sports. Balancing love for Philly and Bay Area sports teams may seem impossible; we can all agree that the Cowboys are the true evil.
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