Demidov Conundrum: Canadiens Second Line Options
It was clear from the very get-go that Montreal Canadiens winger Ivan Demidov had the skill set necessary to immediately […]
Ivan Demidov, the Montreal Canadiens winger, made an immediate impact in the NHL with a 62-point rookie season. However, he was used sparingly at times, especially in close games where he received fewer shifts in the final minutes of the third period. Head coach Martin St-Louis has a history of benching rookies in critical situations, possibly to protect them.
Demidov did receive more powerplay time, which helped boost his scoring pace. Instead of changing his role, St-Louis found a solution for Juraj Slafkovsky by moving him to the first line with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. Demidov's ice time was also limited at 5v5, ranking 19th on the team. While St-Louis gave Demidov more powerplay opportunities, the lack of improvement in shot share suggests a need for a different approach.
The Canadiens will likely continue with the same second-line options, and Demidov's ice time will remain limited in crucial game situations unless a more defensively responsible center is acquired.
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