Photo credit: All Habs / NHL
As many wonder whether the second line will truly find its stability over the next few games.
In recent days, a recurring discussion has surfaced in the media and among fans.
We’re talking about a sensitive topic here – the development of two young players, aged 19 and 22.
But more importantly, the crucial role of the center playing alongside Ivan Demidov.
Who Will Finish the Season as Demidov’s Center?
Anthony Martineau pointed out that Kapanen is going through a difficult stretch.
After a hot start to the season, scoring several goals early on, he mentioned that the young Finn’s pace has slowed.
He noted that Kapanen has been almost invisible on the ice over the last three games.
He explained this clearly, saying that when you play center alongside Ivan Demidov, you need to stand out.
He’s been invisible for three games now. Just one shot in those last three, and his ice time is dropping fast – while Dach’s keeps going up. For me, if you’re centering Ivan Demidov, you have to stand out. There’s no way around it. It’s clear to me that the Montreal Canadiens cannot finish the season with Oliver Kapanen playing alongside Ivan Demidov on the second line. That just can’t be the plan.
– Anthony Martineau
According to him, it’s not a question of future talent.
It’s mainly about physical maturity and lack of experience.
“And it’s not because I don’t think Kapanen will eventually be a good NHL player, or that he won’t have that kind of role someday – it’s because he’s not ready yet.
Physically, and in terms of pace, it’s getting tougher and tougher for him. Will he finish the season in Montreal? I’m not sure. But what I do know is that right now, his play isn’t at the level of someone who should be skating with Ivan Demidov.”
– Martineau
He also added that if analysts and fans can see it, the team’s management certainly can too.
And that’s where the discussion gets interesting.
There’s plenty of speculation around Montreal’s second-line center – but can the Canadiens afford to finish the season with Kapanen in that spot and still hope for great success?
Martineau even brought up the idea of eventually pairing Kirby Dach with Demidov.
“Could Kirby Dach eventually be paired with Demidov? Maybe. But then you’ve got another issue: can Oliver Kapanen still perform well with Bolduc? They need another center.” added Martineau
Personally, I’d like to see Dach centering Demidov and Bolduc.
I believe Bolduc would have no trouble finding the back of the net playing alongside number 93.
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