Michkov isn't going anywhere, he's under team control (RFA years) for a long-time.
Like many Russians, he needed a couple years to adjust, Kucherov wasn't an instant start.
Made it worse being out of condition, worked hard during the break and it shows.
Martone is simply a smarter player than Michkov, he's very agile for a big man, straight line speed needs work, but that should come with coaching and physical maturity (he's not closed to filling out that lanky frame). Otherwise he's the real deal, what made that goal special was his patience, head up, scanning the ice, looking for a pass, setting up the shot, Forces turnover with anticipation and his long reach. But still 19, with 1 year of college, so rough edges remain.
MIchkov is more playing on pure offensive instinct, but is still learning the game, though his defense is much better this season, still makes too many mistakes. But I never expected instant stardom. I'll bet he'll kick ass this summer, and come to camp and take his game up a notch or two next season. This team has a group of young kids, to be joined next season by Bonk, Jett, Murchison, etc. They seem to have real camaraderie
I don't think the rest of the series will be this easy, I'd still bet on the Pens, but this Flyers team is for real. They have really bought into Tocchet's scheme, and play smart, disciplined hockey, which gives the Pens fits. They certainly have a shot, but I expect the Pens to raise their level of play, I think they read their press clippings and didn't play with intensity.
Still 2 years away, one major trade, a bunch of prospects maturing and building serious depth. This is a great learning experience for young players, both the middle aged guys (TK, Cates, York, Zegras) and the young guys (Foerster, Drysdale, Michkov, Martone, Barkey). In two years the only old (30+) vets will be Couts, Dvorak, TK, Sanheim.
