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Ivan Demidov admits: the series against Washington was (really) tough
Jonathan Di Gregorio
Ivan Demidov admits: the series against Washington was (really) tough
Credit: Getty Images
Ivan Demidov quickly got his first taste of the NHL playoffs.

After playing just two regular-season games, the Russian got his first taste of post-season hockey against the Washington Capitals.

For a player making his NHL debut, Demidov didn’t do badly, picking up two assists in five games. Those two points came in Game 4 of the series on the powerplay.

However, as my colleague Félix Forget explained to us a few weeks ago, at five-on-five, the Russian prospect has been much more discreet.

In five games, the Habs forward had the fewest chances on the power play, for a grand total of zero.

It may have disappointed those expecting a savior, but there’s really no reason to worry about the young player.

Series hockey is intense and fast-paced. There’s not a lot of room to make plays and create offense, and it’s only natural that the Russian had a harder time adapting to the level of play.

If there’s a good level of adaptation between the KHL and the NHL, there’s also another level between the regular season and the playoffs.

And Demidov himself admits that playing in the playoffs against the Capitals was difficult for him, as there was a lot of pressure and little space on the ice.

However, this early playoff experience could be a blessing in disguise for the Habs prospect, because now he knows what to expect.

While most rookies enter their first season aiming to adapt to the NHL level, Demidov already knows the intensity level of the playoffs and can already start preparing physically and psychologically for the upcoming campaign.

It’s definitely a wealth of experience that will help him as he adapts to the NHL and North American hockey.

I really think it will give him an edge over the other rookies in his upcoming season, and the Habs could well have two Calder Trophy winners in a row.


Overtime

– Another night to forget for the CFM.

– A timely break!

– Great Messi!

– What a sequence!

– Alley-oop!

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