Only 7:32 of playing time for Demidov today (and one assist)

There’s a lot of frustration and disappointment among Montreal Canadiens fans right now.

It’s only natural.

That said, I don’t want to be the one to bring more bad news… But let’s just say that Ivan Demidov’s playing time today in the KHL won’t please Habs fans.

You have to start at the beginning of the game to add context.

In the first period, Demidov was one of the most involved players on the ice, and he picked up a point for his effort.

He also picked up an assist in the second period on his team’s first goal of the game:

A much-deserved assist by Ivan Demidov, who’s been SKA’s best player today. https://t.co/7zMDp932Ze

– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) September 29, 2024

It was after this, however, that things started to go wrong.

SKA trailed by two goals with 10 minutes left in the second period, and Demidov took a penalty that might well not have been called.

When you see the opposing player diving onto the ice, you’d think he’d overdone it a bit… And Demidov’s reaction says it all:

Bogus tripping call on Demidov. pic.twitter.com/1HimKqlTeS

– Grant McCagg (@grantmccagg) September 29, 2024

Even though the referee’s decision seemed questionable, the SKA head coach decided to make his young player pay.

How? By benching him for the remainder of the second period… And for almost the entire third period.

The Canadiens prospect spent a grand total of 7 minutes and 32 seconds on the ice:

6 appearances in the first period (4:24)
3 second-period assists (1:48)
1 third-period appearance (1:20)

Let’s just say that Roman Rotenberg has a special way of using Demidov, and that’s sure not to the delight of Habs management.

Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton must be on a roll right now: Reinbacher and Laine seem to be seriously injured in a warm-up game, Demidov remains on the bench after receiving a penalty he didn’t deserve…

Good thing it’s sunny outside in Montreal today!

Overtime

– I love it.

Adam Fantilli said that he texted Patrik Laine last night.

“You definitely hate to see that, especially in preseason. It’s tough. You hate to see that, a friend of mine.” #CBJ

– Mark Scheig (@mark_scheig) September 29, 2024

– Ouain…

Just wait till next season when #Habs can add Demidov AND Laine to this roster!! pic.twitter.com/8TDVyTn7xi

– Dan Kramer (@DanKramerHabs) September 29, 2024

– Craig Berube enjoyed Nick Robertson’s game last night.

“Everyone knows it’s coming but he still finds a way to beat them”

Nick Robertson showed off “unique” 5-hole shot last night

But it’s play away from the puck that impressed Leafs coach Craig Berube

“His work ethic was excellent & his competitiveness“https://t.co/0tHFD7HJBU

– Mark Masters (@markhmasters) September 29, 2024

– Logical.

The #NHLJets re-assigned Brayden Yager to the WHL’s Moose Jaw Warriors.

ICYMI from yesterday – my piece for @Sportsnet on Yager and why Jets fans should be excited about what the team acquired for Rutger McGroartyhttps://t.co/u4ysMsLnad

– Jacob Stoller (@JLStoller) September 29, 2024

– So much the better!