Connor McDavid vs Matvei Michkov: 3 things to expect as Flyers rookie faces off against Oilers superstar for first time

On Tuesday night, Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers will face off with Matvei Michkov and the Philadelphia Flyers in a highly anticipated matchup. In the case of Michkov and the Flyers, after a stellar preseason that saw the rookie rack up six points over just three games, the team has gone 1-1 to start the season.

In their regular-season opener against the Canucks, the team picked up a 3-2 shootout win before then falling to the Calgary Flames this past weekend.

On the flip side, in the case of Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers, the team has struggled to find their rhythm to start the season, going 0-3 through three straight home games. Ahead of Tuesday night's game, here are three things to look out for:

3 things to expect in Tuesday's battle between Connor McDavid and Matvei Michkov

#1: Michkov moved to RW

According to a report from BVM Sports late Monday night, Philadelphia coach John Tortorella has shuffled his forward lines ahead of Tuesday's clash with Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers. While Michkov had been playing LW, he has reportedly been moved to the RW spot for Tuesday's game.

While speaking with PHLY Sports' Charlie O'Connor on Tuesday, Torts explained that he liked the first line's chemistry with Michkov and Travis Konecy. Now, however, he's poised to roll with Michkov as the starting RW, with Konecy being moved down to the second line.

#2: Edmonton will come out strong

After dropping their first three games of the season, Edmonton is desperate for a win. Their 0-3 start to the season is the worst start the team has had since they went 0-3 during Connor McDavid's rookie season in 2015. Given that, expect the team to come out strong in Tuesday's game before they hit the road for a two-game stretch.

With the team setting its sights on a return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs after a Game 7 loss to the Panthers last season, an 0-4 start could be trouble for the Oilers' confidence. Given that, expect Edmonton to come out fast in front of its home crowd.

#3: First goals of the season

Both Connor McDavid and Matvei Michkov have been held scoreless so far this season. In the case of Michkov, he ripped four shots on goal in the team's season opener on Oct. 11 but was unable to find the back of the net. The following night, he didn't get off a single shot but was able to tally an assist.

On the flip side, in the case of McDavid, since being held shotless in the team's season opener, he has gone 0-8 when it comes to shots on goal, racking up an assist in each of the team's two games since.