Rookie sensation Ivan Demidov had a memorable debut for the Montreal Canadiens on Monday night. After terminating his contract with SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL, Demidov was eligible to sign his entry-level deal in the NHL and join the Canadiens. Following his arrival in North America, Demidov participated in several skates before making his highly anticipated debut. The young forward certainly came as advertised for Habs fans as he blew the roof off the Bell Centre with a goal and an assist in his first period of play. Let’s recap Ivan Demidov’s NHL debut for the Montreal Canadiens.
Ivan Demidov’s Montreal Canadiens Debut
Ivan Demidov’s Usage
Despite it being his first NHL game, head coach Martin St. Louis didn’t seem hesitant to use Demidov in all situations. He played just over seventeen minutes against the Chicago Blackhawks. Demidov began on the Canadiens second line, alongside Alex Newhook and Joel Armia. This gave him a defensive-minded line, thus allowing him to focus on the offensive parts of his game. He also received several shifts with Patrik Laine.
Demidov was also given lots of power play time in his first game. He was a mainstay on the team’s second unit, as well as seeing time on the first unit at times. St. Louis must’ve liked what he saw from the 19-year-old, as he also used him in three-on-three overtime, in what was a very important game for the Canadiens. It was also stated post-game that had the shootout gone to extra round, Demidov would have been Montreal’s fourth shooter. Demidov wasn’t used sparingly or given any limitations in his first game. The former fifth-overall pick seems to have already gained the favor of his head coach.
What Made Demidov so Successful in His Debut
Demidov has tremendous skill and hockey IQ and does a lot of small things well that made him so successful in his debut. Despite some concerns on his size leading up to the draft, Demidov looked all of six-foot-one against the Blackhawks. He used his size effectively and was able to win several puck battles along the boards. He also was able to effectively shield off opponents and protect the puck. We saw this on his first NHL point where he picked the puck up off the boards and was able to shield off oncoming defenders. Demidov then cut to the outside and made a beautiful dish to Alex Newhook.
Offensively, there wasn’t much not to like about Demidov in his first game. He controlled play at a level that is rarely seen from a teenager. Anytime the puck was on his stick it seemed to end up in a scoring chance. His puck skills were on display when he picked up a long pass that ricocheted off the end boards and was able to fake out Hawks goalie Arvid Soderblom for a beautiful backhand goal and the first of his career. Demidov’s shot is also underrated as we saw his quick release and his one timer on display as well.
What Demidov can Improve On and His Impact Moving Forward For Montreal
There wasn’t many negatives to come from Demidov on Monday night. However, he isn’t perfect and there are a couple of small things he can improve upon. There were a couple of occasions especially on the power play where he tried to force passes through the seam when there were maybe better options or shooting lanes available. However, this is normal for a young player. One main criticism of Demidov was his brutal backcheck on the Blackhawks third goal of the game. This made many worry about his effort level and defensive awareness. But, this sequence likely was just a result of him being at the end of a long shift. Demidov was noticeably out of gas on the backcheck and his effort levels and defensive awareness were up to snuff throughout the rest of the contest. This one sequence shouldn’t raise concerns about his compete.
Outside of these nitpicky things, Ivan Demidov had almost a perfect NHL debut for the Montreal Canadiens. If the Canadiens make the playoffs, he will continue to receive top-six minutes and looks in offensive situations. Demidov has some small things to work on but if his NHL debut is any indication, it appears that Montreal may have a star on their hands.
Main Photo Credit: David Kirouac – Imagn Images
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