A hidden story from Thursday’s game between the Montreal Canadiens and the Edmonton Oilers was Ivan Demidov‘s first appearance on the top power play unit. The focus from the contest was officiating, and Samuel Montembeault’s costly performances.
The coaching staff bumped Zachary Bolduc to the second unit to make room for Demidov. The timing of the move was a little surprising as Bolduc scored on the power play during the previous game. Fans and observers wanted Demidov to start the power plays from day one, but that was never Martin St. Louis’ plan. “It’s not something I would give him from the start. I wanted him to show that he can work and value the other side of the ice. He showed me that and it gave me the opportunity to reward him. I know he can play on the first unit and give him a little more ice time,” the coach said.
While Montreal only had one power play opportunity in Edmonton, the decision paid off in Vancouver on Saturday. Demidov obtained primary assists on consecutive power play goals that allowed the Canadiens to tie the game. First, he faked a shot before passing it to a wide open Nick Suzuki for the goal. Later, he made a pass to Juraj Slafkovsky from the slot to the side of the goal for the tying goal.
With the news of Patrik Laine’s three to four month absence following a surgery to repair a core muscle injury, the Canadiens will likely roll one power play unit, than the intended more balanced ice time between units. That recipe can lead to higher production for Demidov and bump his chances of winning the Calder Trophy.
Rocket Notes
The Laval Rocket returned home from a three-game road trip with one win. On Wednesday, the Belleville Senators (Ottawa) easily won 6-2. On Friday, an undisciplined performance led to 4-0 loss against the Rochester Americans (Buffalo Sabres). The Rocket defeated the Utica Comets (New Jersey Devils) 4-2 the following night. Here are some notes from the contests.
- Jacob Fowler bounced back on Saturday with a good performance, after allowing six goals on 24 shots in Belleville. He made 29 saves in the victory, including a penalty shot attempt. Since the start of the season, he has a 2-2 record, 3.00 goals against average, and .886 save percentage.
- Jared Davidson scored twice in 5:03 in Utica and now leads the team with four goals.
- With Marc Del Gaizo recalled by the Canadiens ahead of their current road trip, Adam Engstrom and Nate Clurman are the only defensemen in Laval with NHL contracts.
- The Rocket lead the AHL with 130 penalty minutes. They were the most penalized team last season.
The Rocket are at Place Bell this week to host the Lehigh Valley Phantoms (Philadelphia Flyers) on Wednesday, and then will meet the Rochester Americans on consecutive days starting on Friday.
