Canadiens forward Ivan Demidov

Photo credit: All Habs / NHL

While the game is very tight after the first two periods, Ivan Demidov continues to show why he’s drawing so much attention in Montreal.

Tonight, the young Russian isn’t just shining offensively – he’s also showing a level of defensive commitment that’s surprising everyone.

You can see him skating, blocking passing lanes, and tracking back into his zone like a veteran.

Once again tonight, his play without the puck speaks volumes and proves he doesn’t just want to score goals… he wants to win.

As mentioned by Anthony Martineau, during the first period against the Preds, the young Russian completed a spectacular defensive backcheck that even made the journalists in the press box react.

He summed up the sequence in a few words:

“Ivan Demidov just completed ANOTHER very impressive defensive backcheck.

He skated through three zones to go help his teammates and managed to bother O’Reilly just enough to stay within the rules.

I love the fact that number 93 doesn’t settle for just being good.”

– Anthony Martineau

This kind of effort shows a level of maturity rarely seen in a 19-year-old player – especially one with Demidov’s talent.

I think even the most critical fans are starting to admit that he’s not just a player who can only play on the power play.

Ivan Demidov forces Martin St-Louis to rethink his role with the Montreal Canadiens

At the same time, after this strong start to the game, observers believe Martin St-Louis will have to seriously consider giving him more responsibilities – including on the power play.

Journalist Stu Cowan of the Montreal Gazette said on X:

“At some point Ivan Demidov has to move to the Habs first power-play unit.”

– Stu Cowan

And he’s not the only one who thinks so. Another observer said:

“I think we will see Ivan on the 1st PP by the start of December like they did last year with Hutson.”

– Alex

In my opinion, I wouldn’t be surprised if he follows a similar path to Hutson last year – who didn’t start the season on the power play, but eventually earned his spot after about twenty games.

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OCTOBRE 16   |   916 ANSWERS

Ivan Demidov’s Play Tonight Could Force Martin St-Louis to Rethink His Plans

Do you think Ivan Demidov already deserves a spot on the first power-play unit?