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4 in 9 on the PP: Ivan Demidov on the 1st unit gives results
Marc-Olivier Cook
4 in 9 on the PP: Ivan Demidov on the 1st unit gives results
Credit: Getty Images
The Canadiens lost 5-2 last night.

And it should be noted that both of the CH’s goals were scored on the powerplay.

It should also be noted that since Patrik Laine’s absence, the Habs have had nine powerplay opportunities. And they’ve converted four of those chances…

It’s only a small sample, since it’s only been two games, but Ivan Demidov really seems to have revitalized the first power-play unit.

In the CH’s last two games against the Caps, the five-man attack is more dynamic – and, above all, less predictable – because Demidov moves around a lot with the puck.

This creates passing lanes, frees up other teammates… and makes you realize that, right now, the five young players on the power play are really doing their job.

Hutson, Suzuki, Caufield, Slaf and Demidov are dangerous when they get on the ice together.

And Nicolas Cloutier makes a good point in his article: all these players are 25 years old or younger.

Has Martin St-Louis found the perfect recipe?

Time will tell.

But the Habs coach knew he had “a new card up his sleeve” to use, and in Laine’s absence, he’s not hesitating to trust Demidov on the power play.

So far, it’s working.

And that’s why some people – including Alain Crête – believe that Demidov is taking Laine out of Montreal…

We’re seeing just how dynamic the new unit is, and we’ve also seen that Cole Caufield looks really comfortable after finding his spot on the first unit.

He was the one at the top of the circles last night – Laine’s usual spot – against the Capitals. And if Laine has a good shot… the same can also be said of Caufield, who managed to beat Thompson by scoring a real maverick goal :

Clearly, it’s too early to come to any official conclusions.

But what we’ve seen from the top power play over the past two games is encouraging. Especially as these guys are young and part of Montreal’s future.

That’s promising for the coming years, in any case.


In a gust

– Wow. But to get there, the Oilers’ goalies will have to be more solid…

– Ouch.

– The Stars vs Avalanche series continues tonight.

– News from CF Montreal training :

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