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Demidov Elevation Drives Canadiens Power-Play Surge, 5-on-5 Role Under Review

The rookie’s playmaking has transformed the man-advantage, sharpening focus on how Martin St. Louis deploys him at even strength.

Overview

  • Since Ivan Demidov joined Montreal’s first power-play unit, the Canadiens have gone 7-for-13 over five games after starting 5-for-26, and they have averaged 4.2 goals per game in that span.
  • The 19-year-old has 4 goals and 8 assists through roughly 13 games and is on a prorated 75-point pace, according to Sportsnaut.
  • Despite increased power-play usage (about 2:15 per game), Demidov’s five-on-five ice time remains limited at roughly 10:48 per game.
  • His current 5-on-5 trio with Oliver Kapanen and Alex Newhook is controlling a little over 40% of shots and expected goals, prompting calls to try him with different linemates such as Kirby Dach.
  • After a comeback to earn a point against Philadelphia on Nov. 4, analysts highlighted Dach’s strong night and Demidov’s key goal, and Demidov said he still needs to refine details of his five-on-five game.