Player Discussion Ivan Demidov: Welcome to Montreal

[Kennerback]

I like the fact that today was not about him. It was about the whole team accomplishing something together. People were talking about the game, the clinch, the playoffs and Demidov talk was slightly toned down.

 

[KevSkillz4]

I like the fact that today was not about him. It was about the whole team accomplishing something together. People were talking about the game, the clinch, the playoffs and Demidov talk was slightly toned down.

Perfect for the team and him. It's a 19 years old player. Superstar talent. But the team have been play 80 games without him. Perfect for playoffs time, he and the team can shine more with less talk about him.

 

[1909]

I like the fact that today was not about him. It was about the whole team accomplishing something together. People were talking about the game, the clinch, the playoffs and Demidov talk was slightly toned down.

There will be lots of time in the next few years to praise Demidov.

 

[1909]

Habs are blessed to have such a good young core with Suzuki, Caufield, Slaf, Demidov, Hutson, Guhle. And I could add Dobes, Fowler and Reinbacher.

 

[KevSkillz4]

Habs are blessed to have such a good young core with Suzuki, Caufield, Slaf, Demidov, Hutson, Guhle. And I could add Dobes, Fowler and Reinbacher.

Great time to be a Habs fan. Hughes have assets to make this team better aswell!!

 

[sbhatt]

Great time to be a Habs fan. Hughes have assets to make this team better aswell!!

Turning some of those assets into a 2nd line center and one solid upgrade on the blueline is a MUST this offseason.

 

[KevSkillz4]

Turning some of those assets into a 2nd line center and one solid upgrade on the blueline is a MUST this offseason.

I 100% agree with you. That would make the team better.

 

[Doom Bot]

I would play him with Dvorak and Heineman or Gallagher. Did Newhook win a single faceoff tonight? It didn't feel like it. Hard for Demidov to do anything with 2 players who can't keep possession, and can't get possession after they lose it.

 

[Jabba11]

Ivan only played 10 minutes tonight. Very smart by MSL, imo. Could you imagine if Demidov made a crucial mistake in a game like this and the Habs lost? At home, at the Bell Centre, with the post-season on the line, in his 2nd game? It would be absolutely brutal and devastating for the kid, and it’s all he’d hear about all summer. You have to protect him from something like that with so many eyes and so much hype on him. Marty did just that.

Now that we’re in, it’s different. The narrative switches to we over achieved and are just a young team happy to be playing, and all the young guys, including Demidov, will be insulated by that. The young guys will get their reps in and mistakes will happen - no big deal, we made it, and are building something. I expect him to get more time and get his reps in. It’s gonna be fun.

He had some good chances tonight too, despite the limited minutes. Did good.

MSL learned from the best coach: Roman Rotenberg

 

[JeffreyLFC]

I still believe Horvat would be the perfect center for him. Winning face off, good skater, covering defensively, goal scoring type of center and with experience.

 

[Andrei79]

Crazy skills and IQ, but he needs to gain strength and power, especially to become a more explosive skater. Once he does he'll dominate the league.

 

[HabzSauce]

As long as it is accurate and deceptive, not being as heavy shouldn't be too much of a problem, but based on Edge, it's slightly above league average and that might not have been his heaviest one.

He's got a nasty toe drag. That one T looks like it has some serious potential too

 

[Erika]

My boy hittin' that shit

Very funny reaction, he's adorable

 

[Kshahdoo]

Quite obviously so.

When Rotenberg did the same things he obviously wasn't that good...

 

[Kojo]

Can you guys stop thinking Laine-Demidov is going to work?

Do you know how Demidov operates? Laine can't keep up with Demidov.

He need someone like Lehkonen.

 

[WeThreeKings]

He only played 10 minutes? Crazy how much he made of those minutes especially since Laine and Newhook were losing possession like it was their job last night.

 

[DAChampion]

He only played 10 minutes? Crazy how much he made of those minutes especially since Laine and Newhook were losing possession like it was their job last night.

Its an interesting dilemma. Not clear what the team should do.

Maybe play Demidov with Roy and Evans.

Newhook and Laine can be on the 4th line with whomever.

 

[Sasha Orlov]

He only played 10 minutes? Crazy how much he made of those minutes especially since Laine and Newhook were losing possession like it was their job last night.

Laine is completely cooked, totally useless out there

I’m not sure what the solution is here but Demidov needs more icetime period

 

[Whalers Fan]

Its an interesting dilemma. Not clear what the team should do.

Maybe play Demidov with Roy and Evans.

Newhook and Laine can be on the 4th line with whomever.

Unless there are injuries, I doubt that Roy sees the ice in the post season. There's no room for him in the lineup.

 

[Team_Spirit]

 

[Goalfield22]

If Armia is playing super hurt, why don't we just flip him and Demidov? This will allow us to play Demidov more.

Heineman-Evans-Demidov
Armia-Newhook-Laine

 

[Tyson]

I am fired up that Demidov's Development will experience playoff hockey!

 

[Tyson]

If Armia is playing super hurt, why don't we just flip him and Demidov? This will allow us to play Demidov more.

Heineman-Evans-Demidov
Armia-Newhook-Laine

Excellent idea

 

[Team_Spirit]

Only ~10 Demidov posts today?

Me and Tyson;

 

[Marioesque]

Ivan only played 10 minutes tonight. Very smart by MSL, imo. Could you imagine if Demidov made a crucial mistake in a game like this and the Habs lost? At home, at the Bell Centre, with the post-season on the line, in his 2nd game? It would be absolutely brutal and devastating for the kid, and it’s all he’d hear about all summer. You have to protect him from something like that with so many eyes and so much hype on him. Marty did just that.

Now that we’re in, it’s different. The narrative switches to we over achieved and are just a young team happy to be playing, and all the young guys, including Demidov, will be insulated by that. The young guys will get their reps in and mistakes will happen - no big deal, we made it, and are building something. I expect him to get more time and get his reps in. It’s gonna be fun.

He had some good chances tonight too, despite the limited minutes. Did good.

I want to believe that MSL will coach differently now that they have made it to the first round. But I need to see it to believe it. He constantly opts to "play it safe" in his mind, which means shortening the bench and playing the bottom lines more. He changes the tactic that got them the lead, to defending the lead. Which from my experience is just a mistake.

If he can change that course completely in the playoffs, kudos to him. I'd love to see Demidov and Laine getting 16-17 minutes out there, caution to the wind and let them cook. That's the only way we'll have a lick of chance in the playoffs, if the first 2 lines produce. Playing 3 lines in 3rd period isn't going to cut it.