Demidov's linemates

[Team_Spirit]

Free agent vs rookies perks

Commercial plane ticket
Sedgwick
Fat Tony and the mob
Jake Evans?

Vs

Private jet
Chantale
Main media
Nick Suzuki

 

[Sorinth]

You’re still not getting it—we need to make the second line function, not just throw our hands up and say Laine and Newhook are hacks.

I get the analogy—but the tires aren’t flat, the alignment is off.

Laine is the finisher. Newhook brings speed. What they’re missing is the engine—the puck carrier that ties it all together. That’s Demidov. Once he’s in the driver’s seat, the entire dynamic shifts. Laine doesn’t need to carry, Newhook isn’t forced to create off broken entries, and now they’re playing to their strengths instead of trying to survive shifts.

This isn’t about patchwork—it’s about building a line that actually works. You put Demidov on there pulling coverage, demanding attention, and suddenly Laine’s getting clean looks, Newhook’s finding lanes, and the line starts tilting the ice.

We all want Demidov on the ice as much as possible—but the key is giving him linemates he can elevate, not writing them off before the puck even drops.

It's also about role, if Evans moves to the 2nd line then the 4th line basically loses any kind of identity and role. A 4th line centered by Newhook isn't really one you want to play hard minutes, and you don't really want it out there for defensive zone faceoffs, and o-zone starts are basically wasted opportunities. And even with Evans the Laine-Demidov line should still be sheltered somewhat, and you still want the Suzuki line to get a bunch of O-zone opportunities, which in turn derails the 3rd line who would need to be absolutely buried in D-zone starts. It's just not a winning recipe.

But with a Laine-Newhook-Demidov line you can bury the 4th line in D-zone starts with the 3rd line as the backup, and fairly easily shelter the crap out of the 2nd line while still having your top line get mostly o-zone minutes.

 

[Rapala]

Playing with Suzuki on the top line instead of the Newhook line for 2 games isn't going to make him learn more about the NHL.

So your plan is to keep break the habs top line, which has been elite, right before the playoffs, and hope that a rookie with no NHL games played makes it better?

Thinking that he wouldn't learn more with Suzuki as his center over Newhook is just laughably wrong.
It's just as wrong as acting like we'd be hurting Demidov's game or even our chances in the post season by giving the kid some rope and some candy.
Every year playoff teams rest players and try different combos before heading into the post season what a novel idea.

 

[Bacchus1]

He will probably get shifted around a bit as we look for chemistry. I’m hoping he works well with Laine. I think he can pass well, which would be good for setting up Laine on the one timer. At the same time, he can shoot well, so he will keep the opposition honest, giving Laine more space. As for the center, try them all. I’m hoping Kapenan can fulfill that role at one point, but for the time being we are using Newhook in that role and he isn’t doing terribly by the eye check.

 

[McGees]

I can pretty much guarantee that Marty will start him with Newhook/Laine just to keep stability with the team that has earned a playoff spot.

Don’t forget how long it took for Marty to get Hutson on pp1 instead of Matheson while we screamed for it for weeks (months?)

However I hope he doesn’t keep it like this as I don’t like Newhook as a C. Put Demidov with Evans and Laine to start and empty the bank for a legit 2C this offseason.

 

[CaptnNemo]

Please all, let me dream of this line for a minute and appreciate the possibilities.

Demidov - Crosby - Ovechkin

It's possible right!!? RIGHT!!!!????

 

[Scintillating10]

Newhook speed will be good match with Demidov. You never know, it may wake up Newhook offensively. Because hands are definitely there

 

[SallyBalls]

It's also about role, if Evans moves to the 2nd line then the 4th line basically loses any kind of identity and role. A 4th line centered by Newhook isn't really one you want to play hard minutes, and you don't really want it out there for defensive zone faceoffs, and o-zone starts are basically wasted opportunities. And even with Evans the Laine-Demidov line should still be sheltered somewhat, and you still want the Suzuki line to get a bunch of O-zone opportunities, which in turn derails the 3rd line who would need to be absolutely buried in D-zone starts. It's just not a winning recipe.

But with a Laine-Newhook-Demidov line you can bury the 4th line in D-zone starts with the 3rd line as the backup, and fairly easily shelter the crap out of the 2nd line while still having your top line get mostly o-zone minutes.

Absolutely — your structure is sound, and the data backs it up.

Evans on L4 provides a defensively responsible anchor, ideal for D-zone starts and penalty kills. His presence allows the Suzuki line to focus on offensive zone opportunities. This setup enables the Newhook–Laine–Demidov line to be deployed strategically for offensive impact.

According to NHL EDGE tracking data, players like Demidov excel in high-speed transitions, making them effective in generating scoring chances during offensive zone starts. By allocating zone starts appropriately, you maximize each line's strengths.

Heatmaps from IcyData and MoneyPuck illustrate that players with Demidov's profile generate high shot volumes from prime scoring areas when given offensive zone opportunities. Conversely, Evans' defensive metrics show his effectiveness in suppressing shots against, making him suitable for defensive responsibilities.

This configuration ensures that each line operates within its optimal context, enhancing overall team performance.

 

[morhilane]

Newhook speed will be good match with Demidov. You never know, it may wake up Newhook offensively. Because hands are definitely there

There is nothing to "wake up" offensively there, his offense never translated to the NHL.

 

[26Mats]

He drives the line—not the other way around.

There’s no debate. No argument. No room for discussion.

Delete your account and reflect on your life choices.

Ok, but who's their center: Newhook? Evans?

I would try Evans. But MSL really likes the Evans - Armia duo as a shutdown line, even though Armia is a blackhole offensively now that he's injured, and doesn't dominate board battles like he used to.

 

[SallyBalls]

Ok, but who's their center: Newhook? Evans?

I would try Evans. But MSL really likes the Evans - Armia duo as a shutdown line, even though Armia is a blackhole offensively now that he's injured, and doesn't dominate board battles like he used to.

Newhook - Read all my posts

 

[Kojo]

Newhook is the worst match for him. Demidov is a better center than Newhook.

 

[26Mats]

Newhook - Read all my posts

I hope Kapanen is given the opportunity to see if he can do better than both Newhook and Evans...

 

[Kudo Shinichi]

Thinking that he wouldn't learn more with Suzuki as his center over Newhook is just laughably wrong.

So, what exactly will Demidov learn more from playing on a line with Suzuki than Newhook in these two games?

It's just as wrong as acting like we'd be hurting Demidov's game or even our chances in the post season by giving the kid some rope and some candy.

Well you're certainly hurting Demidov by giving completely different linemates when the playoffs start than the ones he will play in the 2 games. Demidov already has a lot to learn by coming to NA, so why the heck would you want to make things more difficult for him? He's most likely going to be on a line with Newhook and Laine in the playoffs, so let him start building chemistry with them in these 2 games, instead of having him do it in game 1 of the playoffs.

Every year playoff teams rest players and try different combos before heading into the post season what a novel idea.

Different combos for a line that is already working at this point in the season for playoff teams only happen if a player on that line is not playing. I highly doubt Slafkovsky and Caufield will be resting the last few games of the season, so no it won't make sense for the habs or any team in general to break up a great line to try different combos right before the playoffs. The season is 82 games, there were plenty of opportunities before to try out different combos.

 

[Sephix]

.

 

[Rapala]

So, what exactly will Demidov learn more from playing on a line with Suzuki than Newhook in these two games?


Well you're certainly hurting Demidov by giving completely different linemates when the playoffs start than the ones he will play in the 2 games. Demidov already has a lot to learn by coming to NA, so why the heck would you want to make things more difficult for him? He's most likely going to be on a line with Newhook and Laine in the playoffs, so let him start building chemistry with them in these 2 games, instead of having him do it in game 1 of the playoffs.



Different combos for a line that is already working at this point in the season for playoff teams only happen if a player on that line is not playing. I highly doubt Slafkovsky and Caufield will be resting the last few games of the season, so no it won't make sense for the habs or any team in general to break up a great line to try different combos right before the playoffs. The season is 82 games, there were plenty of opportunities before to try out different combos.

And if they rest Slaf or Caufield who do you give Suzuki which was the context I used in the initial post?

 

[Kudo Shinichi]

And if they rest Slaf or Caufield who do you give Suzuki which was the context I used in the initial post?

Definitely not Demidov and his expected playoff linemates.
You put Roy, Heineman, or Kapanen on that line. Players who are on the bubble/not really part of a line.

 

[Rapala]

Definitely not Demidov and his expected playoff linemates.
You put Roy, Heineman, or Kapanen on that line. Players who are on the bubble/not really part of a line.

Sure makes sense to me.
Roy isn't even trusted on the second line and none of them are close to being in the same league as Demidov.
Give Suzuki his choice and who do you think he requests?

 

[Sorinth]

And if they rest Slaf or Caufield who do you give Suzuki which was the context I used in the initial post?

It's doubtful we sit any of those guys even if we lock up a playoff spot tonight. They are all looking at setting career highs, and in Slaf's case trying to hit his bonuses.

We might see them be given easier nights with icetime cut by a few minutes and given to young guys but that's about it. The only guys who might sit are guys nursing injuries, and Savard.

 

[Hoochi Papa]

Newhook speed will be good match with Demidov. You never know, it may wake up Newhook offensively. Because hands are definitely there

I don't believe in Newhook, but this is the greatest chance he'll ever receive. Hope he makes something out of it, if only for this season.

 

[Catanddogguitarrr]

The only negative side of Demidov coming here is certainly we'll be witness of Tony Marinaro shirtless in one of his memorable celebration. Just be aware it will happen and try to have a nice day.

 

[Erika]

My ideal line for Demidov, but I know St-Louis is too scared to try:

Slafkovsky - Suzuki - Demidov

What could be realistically happening and I would be happy with:

Laine - Kapanen - Demidov
Or
Laine - Evans - Demidov

What I think St-Louis will do and that's the option I dislike the most because of Newhook lack of offensive IQ and stone hands... I have zero confidence in Newhook being able to help Demidov NHL debut:

Laine - Newhook - Demidov

 

[HuGo Burner Acc]

My ideal line for Demidov, but I know St-Louis is too scared to try:

Slafkovsky - Suzuki - Demidov

What could be realistically happening and I would be happy with:

Laine - Kapanen - Demidov
Or
Laine - Evans - Demidov

What I think St-Louis will do and that's the option I dislike the most because of Newhook lack of offensive IQ and stone hands... I have zero confidence in Newhook being able to help Demidov NHL debut:

Laine - Newhook - Demidov

Yeah I think the best thing for Demidov right now is playing with a responsible centre also having someone on his line that can feed off him. Laine-Evans-Demidov seems like the best and most balanced move for now. Then put Newhook with Kapanen and Armia

 

[Vachon23]

If they go with Demidov-Newhook-Laine, they will be the 4th line when where gonna be visitor or Carbury gonna exposed them with his 1st line

 

[Scriptor]

I can pretty much guarantee that Marty will start him with Newhook/Laine just to keep stability with the team that has earned a playoff spot.

Don’t forget how long it took for Marty to get Hutson on pp1 instead of Matheson while we screamed for it for weeks (months?)

However I hope he doesn’t keep it like this as I don’t like Newhook as a C. Put Demidov with Evans and Laine to start and empty the bank for a legit 2C this offseason.

I'd prefer Demidov with Kapanen and Laine, but Newhook won't get pushed out to play Kapanen instead, IMO.