Michkov: 'An honor' to play against Ovechkin for 1st time

Rookie phenom Matvei Michkov will get a chance to live out a childhood dream and play against one of his idols, Alex Ovechkin, on Tuesday when the Philadelphia Flyers take on the Washington Capitals in the first game of a home-and-home.

"It's going to be unique and historical to be playing against such a player," Michkov said Monday through an interpreter, per NHL.com's Adam Kimelman. "It's an honor."

Michkov, born in December 2004, was an infant when Ovechkin debuted for the Capitals in 2005.

Ovechkin, who's just 40 goals back of Wayne Gretzky's all-time record, is a legend everywhere, of course, but especially in Russia.

"Everybody watched him when he was younger," Michkov said. "I watched him when I was younger. He's one of the greatest players ever and for sure one of the best."

Michkov, 19, has adapted well to the North American game, producing two goals and two assists in five games so far in his rookie campaign. He's gained the trust of head coach John Tortorella, averaging 18:35 of ice time per game - the second-most among Flyers forwards behind Travis Konecny.

Ovechkin admitted that he hasn't been able to watch Michkov yet but has heard great things.

"I'm happy for him," Ovechkin said. "He's a talented guy. He's in good hands over here. He just has to be patient and play his game, and everything's going to be fine."