While this might not be the biggest piece of news surrounding the Philadelphia Flyers this week, they are, in fact, playing a game on Nov. 11. Of course, the bigger piece of news dropped on Nov. 10, when there were reports circulating that Matvei Michkov wants a fresh start with a new team.
Even though there are several storylines surrounding Michkov's bombshell alone, there is still a game the Flyers need to play on Wednesday. The Flyers continue the Canadian portion of their road trip, taking on the Edmonton Oilers.
Flyers storylines
Heading into this game, the focus is on Michkov. He spoke to the media after the morning skate in Edmonton, stating, "I don't read all the news. I don't want to talk or interview. I need concentration on just tonight's game, and that's all."
Michkov also stated he is happy playing for the Flyers. Right now, his head is focused on playing hockey, like any player who may request a trade should be. Even if the report is true, the potential trade is in the future, and the focus needs to be on the game ahead.
Head coach Rick Tocchet also spoke to the media, stating, "There's nothing to talk about; it's not true. So, there's nothing to report. You can't comment on somebody blogging something that's not true." To call Kevin Weekes a blogger is absolutely ridiculous, and it feels like he is speaking more from emotion than anything else. Surely, there is pressure on him already because of the Flyers' poor performance to start the season. If the report on Michkov is true, then there is just even more concern for Tocchet's employment.
The Flyers just recorded their second win of November against the Vancouver Canucks on Monday. Now, they need to keep the pressure on. Philly is about to face their toughest opponent yet: Connor McDavid. He has 48 points in just 19 games. Knowing that, the Flyers will need to have a strong defensive performance in Edmonton.
Despite Dan Vladar helping the Flyers secure the win over the Canucks, Joseph Woll gets the start over Vladar against Edmonton. Both Woll and Vladar have had rough starts to the season, but it doesn't help that the rest of the team has been struggling offensively.
Flyers projected lineup
Michael Bunting - Christian Dvorak - Owen Tippett
Tyson Foerster - Trevor Zegras - Travis Konecny
Porter Martone - Noah Cates - Matvei Michkov
Denver Barkey - Sean Couturier - Noel Acciari
Travis Sanheim - Jamie Drysdale
Cam York - Oliver Bonk
Nick Seeler - Rasmus Ristolainen
Dan Vladar
Joseph Woll
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