Matvei Michkov and Trevor Zegras' budding chemistry could be special for Flyers

There were a few things that fans hoped for when the Flyers acquired Trevor Zegras. After injuries and a possible falling out with his previous head coach, there was the belief that a change of scenery could be just what Zegras needed. He was still a highly-skilled player and only 24 years old.

He was only a few years removed from his second consecutive 20+ goal season and a career-high 65 points. But injuries took their toll and cost him significant time over the last two years. So staying healthy was another thing to hope for.

One of the others was that he could transition back to center and be one of the missing pieces at that position for Philadelphia. His career 40.1 percent in the faceoff dot left plenty to be desired, though. So he went to Sean Couturier for some help with that. But more than just being a capable center, the Flyers hoped they had found the perfect player to pair with Matvei Michkov.

It's no secret that Michkov is an extremely creative player and could use someone who is equally as crafty with the puck as he is. Enter Zegras. The two have been paired together during the preseason, giving the Flyers a prime opportunity to see what two of their most talented players can do together.

And it isn't just happening in game scenarios either. The two are putting in the work in practice as well.

"He's the only guy that likes to stay out there with me," Zegras said before Saturday's game. "We play this game, like, you try to hit the crossbar, and he hasn't beaten me yet, so he gets very upset. So usually when we're out there, we're playing crossbar."

It's friendly competition, but the Flyers have to be happy seeing those two forming an immediate bond with each other. Neither has had a linemate who has been on the same page with their skill level. The Flyers have tried Travis Konecny with Michkov, and there were flashes of potential. But it didn't work consistently.

One of the biggest areas the duo can help is on the power play. It's no secret that something needs to give on special teams. The Flyers cannot continue to give games away because they couldn't take advantage on the power play. And while it's only one game and one goal, the two have already shown the magic they could work together.

With more space available on the ice, Zegras easily skates into the offensive zone, taking a few defenders with him. He drops the puck back to Michkov near the blue line. Michkov notices the open space he has with multiple defenders leaning toward Zegras. Skating toward the slot, the defense follows as thye now realize Michkov has a prime chance in the slot.

All four defenders are now in the middle of the ice, leaving Zegras wide open near the goal line. He zips the puck over and instead of electing to go with the one-timer, Zegras collects it and wires a shot high and above the glove of Michael DiPietro.

The play was fluid and both seemed to know how to perfectly execute it. Whether or not this was a set play or using what they defense gave them, it's a peek into exactly what Zegras and Michkov bring to the table.

The next goal will be finding someone who can complete the line. It may depend on the matchup or which players are hot at the moment. The Flyers could want to add a more defensive-minded player to the duo. Those answers will come as preseason continues.

But if the two can continue developing together and the Flyers stick with them, they could have something very special on their hands.