Matvei Michkov missed Tuesday’s game against Anaheim with an injured foot. But on Wednesday he took the optional skate with fellow Flyers winger Denver Barkey. And while the duo got some work and reps in, Michkov took it upon himself to teach Barkey how to execute a “Michigan.”
The three-minute video clip, shot from just behind one of the nets, sees Barkey and Michkov taking a few shots each into the empty net. But about 15 seconds into the clip, Michkov attempts a “Michigan,” roofing the puck just under the crossbar. The Russian then takes a handful of pucks from the net and begins lining them up behind the net, motioning to Barkey (who’s sporting a big smile the whole time) about what’s going to take place. Michkov’s first attempt is successful, again another high, quick lacrosse goal just under the crossbar. Barkey’s first attempt? Well, he starts but doesn’t get the puck up on his stick. Instead, Barkey chips the puck down the other end of the ice.
Michkov’s second attempt is almost a replica of his first, with the puck hitting the bar and making that same clinking sound. Barkey’s second attempt briefly sees him getting the puck on his stick but, again, it falls off, and he belts the puck down the other end of the rink. Michkov, almost robotic, rifles his third attempt in the exact same spot, only this time the puck gets stuck in the twine parallel to the crossbar, hanging high in the net. He raises his arm in celebration, proud at his accomplishment. Barkey’s third attempt? Well, the puck stays on his stick in the air for a fraction of a second before it falls. He then tries to roof a wrist shot high but that misses the net.
Neither one looks flustered by this point, with Barkey studying Michkov’s moves and lining up another row of pucks behind the net. Michkov shows Barkey a little move of the stick blade that creates some spin on the puck. Barkey picks that up quickly and the puck lays flat on his stick which is a few feet in the air. Michkov says something encouraging to Barkey (possibly “there you go!”) and shows him another little move to get the puck up on his stick. The ensuing Barkey attempt is almost successful before he can get it in the net. Undeterred, the rookie tries again, with the puck hitting the crossbar. By far his best yet!
After roughly another 30 seconds, with no successful attempts by Barkey, he finally nails the “Michigan,” putting the puck under the middle of the crossbar which causes Michkov to cheer and tap his stick. Seconds later the pair skate to the sideboards, Michkov happy with his teaching skills and Barkey pleased with being the attentive student.
Michkov called Barkey over to hit Michigan’s with him and taught him how to do it 😂 pic.twitter.com/pgzNn0fBXe
— Travis Ballinghoff (@travieballin26) January 7, 2026
The less structured skate looked to be a productive one, on the whole, as Michkov was also able to spend some additional time working on new moves to add to his arsenal.
Michkov working on a new move? 👀 pic.twitter.com/R20i4vCWg1
— Travis Ballinghoff (@travieballin26) January 7, 2026
Whether this gets showcased in a game setting anytime soon is yet to be seen, but the peek behind the curtain at the process of a high-end skilled player like this is a cool thing to get to take in, all the same.
