Before he hit the ice last year, the Flyers' team management was very clear about two things. First, they were excited that Matvei Michkov was going to play for the team. Secondly, they were very clear not to set expectations too high for him. Over and over again, general manager Daniel Briere and former head coach John Tortorella kept repeating the mantra that he is "not the savior" of the team.
Now, that comment may sound mean, but it isn't. To put all the hopes and dreams of the fans, especially fans as anxious as Flyers fans to break the playoff drought, onto the shoulders of a single 19-year-old kid is a bit much.