When Demidov plays more than his average playing time, SKA wins its games (6-1-1)

Every time we talk about Ivan Demidov and his playing time lately, there’s a massive reaction.

And at this point, I don’t think I need to draw you a picture to explain what I mean.

Demidov has hardly played for a few games, after all, and that’s not ideal.

But here’s an argument that’s even more frustrating when you think about the player’s situation: when SKA uses him, the club wins.

Demidov’s average playing time this season is 10:07 per game. That said, when he plays more than 10:07 per game, the club has a 6-1-1 record.

When Demidov plays less than that, SKA has a 2-4-0 record:

Ivan Demidov averages 10:07 minutes of TOI per game. How does SKA fare when he plays more or less than this average?

SKA record when Demidov plays over 10:07 minutes a game: 6-1-1

SKA record when Demidov plays less than 10:07 minutes a game: 2-4-0

Interesting

– The Habitant (@the_habitant) October 10, 2024

KHL clubs don’t usually use their young players very much.

The treatment of 18-19-20-21 year-olds is often poor because they know that these players want to leave the KHL and go to North America.

But in any sport, coaches are paid for a specific reason: to win games.

Coaches have to be able to put their best training into the game (whether it’s football, basketball, baseball or name it) because that’s how positive results happen.

I may be exaggerating a little, but it’s as if Martin St-Louis decided to limit the playing time of Juraj Slafkovsky, who is one of the club’s best offensive players, for reason X.

It’s illogical… And it seems even more so when you see that SKA wins when they use Demidov properly.

Roman Rotenberg, on the other hand, has his head between his legs. And that’s where the problem lies…

Overtime

– The league is young… And talented.

Rookies & Sophomores in big roles this season:

Macklin Celebrini – 1st line center for San Jose
Connor Bedard – 1st line center for Chicago
Brock Faber – 1st pair defenseman for Minnesota
Will Smith – 2nd line center for San Jose
Luke Hughes – 1st pair defenseman for New Jersey… pic.twitter.com/hnT3KrHVLD

– Big Head Hockey (@BigHeadHcky) October 11, 2024

– Nice.

Nick Suzuki & Cole Caufield in an ad for Bauer Hockey. pic.twitter.com/a86y4vKD3P

– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) October 11, 2024

– The boys are having fun.

That’s a good strategy, Vincent
Good thinking Arse #GoRocket pic.twitter.com/LsRg60ZaMY

– Rocket de Laval (@RocketLaval) October 11, 2024

– Of note:

LAST TIME: RDS will present live the fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitrii Bivol this Saturday evening starting at 6 p.m. Share the good news in large numbers!!! #boxing

– Francis Paquin (@FPaquinRDS) October 11, 2024