Toronto’s first game in 2022, Maple Leaves first game in two weeks to bring success Ilya Mikheev… The Russian has gotten decently over the past year, recovering for a long time from a hand injury, and 12 years ago he ended up in the covid protocol. Rumors that Mikheev wanted an exchange from Maple Leafs were also denied by him, and a match like this one clearly showed why general manager Kyle Dubas was in no hurry to part with Omsk, although Ilya’s formal performance was not the best.

In a meeting with Ottawa 2, Mikheev scored a double scoring, having finally managed to take advantage of his chances, and besides that, he took part in the historic achievement of the Maple Leaves. Toronto scored two goals in the minority with an interval of 27 seconds, and the Russian became the author of the second goal.

For Ilya, this was the first puck of the season. He got the puck on the red line, turned on the third space speed, easily escaped defender Lassie Thompson and effortlessly beat goalkeeper Matt Murray.

In social networks, this sprint Mikheev for lightning speed was called the “throw of the cobra”.

Mikheev’s second puck was not as bright as the first, but it was also scored in unequal compositions – this time in the majority. The Russian simply took advantage of his partner’s comfortable pass from behind the goal and sent the projectile into an empty corner. This was the first scoring double for SUPerman, as Mikheev is called overseas, in the National Hockey League.

“You know, I’ve already lost count of how many similar outlets one to one of the minorities he had before. And Ilya could not score in any way, but today everything worked out. It was great and very important to him. And for the team as a whole. We are trying to help Mikheev gain confidence. I really liked that in the minority he put pressure on the opponent’s defender. I really want Ilya to start playing the same way as before the injury. He looks great in the top three with Kashe and Kempf “– Assessed Mikheev, Toronto head coach Sheldon Keefe.

“I’m glad I was given the opportunity to play in the majority. When implementing unnecessary play everything, because this is a completely different game. This is very important for gaining confidence. That was great “, – said Mikheev himself after the match.