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Series: Even without playing much, Demidov will gain important experience
Marc-Olivier Cook
Series: Even without playing much, Demidov will gain important experience
Credit: Getty Images

As was the case against the Hurricanes last Wednesday, Ivan Demidov didn’t play much last night against the Capitals.

Circumstances were different: the CH needed a goal last night to get back into the game, and Martin St-Louis didn’t want to use #93 extensively.

And today, Demidov’s use is the talk of the town.

But let’s not forget that Demidov is still acclimatizing to his new environment.

He’s never played in the playoffs in a North American league, and it’s different than in Russia. The intensity of the games isn’t the same, and neither is the quality of the play.

There’s more action in the NHL than in the KHL, and the game is much tighter – especially in the playoffs.

On the other hand, Simon Boisvert explains it well in the latest episode of Processus: even if Demidov doesn’t play much, being with the Habs right now is important.

He’s gaining experience in preparation for the next few years, and when the Habs are ready to take the long road to the playoffs, Demidov won’t be arriving as a tourist.

He’ll have had a taste of the big games, and that’s a good thing.

All is not lost:

Sure, everyone would love to see Demidov get some quality playing time.

He was so good in his first game (16:56) that we all want to see him perform at the level of his talent…

That said, I’d much rather see Demidov gain playoff experience with the Habs (even if he gets average playing time) than see him play in the VHL or MHL in Russia right now.

And he wasn‘t necessarily supposed to join the CH organization to finish the season.

But he’s here now, and that’s what’s important: Demidov has the opportunity to learn what it’s like to play in the NHL playoffs.

He’s seeing the guys go, he’s seeing how the intensity is, and he’s going to grow with the experience he’s gained in the playoffs this season.

Still, all is not lost.


In a gust

– Interesting.

– Beautiful video.

– Will he play tonight?

– Interested parties:

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