Overview
- Since Ivan Demidov joined Montreal’s top unit, the power play has gone 7-for-13 (53.8%) after a 5-for-26 start (19.2%), and the Canadiens have averaged 4.2 goals per game over that five-game stretch.
- The 19-year-old rookie has four goals and eight assists through 13 games and factored heavily in the comeback versus Philadelphia, including a go-ahead laser in the third period.
- Demidov replaced Zachary Bolduc on the first unit, with Juraj Slafkovsky moving to the net-front role, creating multiple shooting threats alongside Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki and Lane Hutson.
- Despite the scoring, his five-on-five ice time remains modest at about 10:48 per game, and his current trio with Oliver Kapanen and Alex Newhook is controlling just over 40% of shots and expected goals.
- Local analysis is calling for even-strength adjustments, including looks with Kirby Dach or a reunion with Bolduc, after Dach’s line delivered the Canadiens’ strongest 5-on-5 results against the Flyers.