Ivan Demidov on the third line for his match of the day

Ivan Demidov’s playing time is under the microscope. Much to the delight of his coach in Russia.

Every time the SKA play a game, Demidov’s assigned chair is scrutinized. It’s either on the third line, the fourth line or the 13th forward’s chair.

But today, the scenario is “optimal”: he’ll be on the third line. SKA takes on CSKA at 12:30 p.m. Quebec time.

Ivan Demidov starts on the 3rd line again today, playing alongside Evgeny Kuznetsov & Sergei Plotnikov.

SKA takes on CSKA at 12:30pm ET. pic.twitter.com/gtr4iTb7f5

– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) October 17, 2024

Obviously, when you see that the Habs prospect will be playing on the third line with Evgeny Kuznetsov, it’s good news. At least, it’s good news on paper.

After all, he can be benched quickly if he makes a mistake… but he doesn’t start out too far down the road.

In his last game, Demidov was able to score a goal. He started the match on the top-9 and found the back of the net in the first period.

It was the kind of goal that felt good for a guy who had eaten his black bread with little playing time in previous games.

Ivan Demidov with another beautiful goal for the SKA in the KHL #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/rwJwvIJ0z3

– Daria Tuboltseva (@DariaTuboltseva) October 15, 2024

Let’s remember that every day, Demidov has to find a way to earn his coach’s trust. It’s not easy because the player refuses to sign another contract with SKA, so he’s being punished for it.

But if he continues to score, Demidov will force his coach’s hand. Whether he does so today remains to be seen.

Overtime
– OHL reacts to yesterday’s story.

The OHL has issued a statement regarding allegations in a CTV Report filed on Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/MRZ4m0nCN4

– Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) October 17, 2024

– Emil Heineman wanted to make his mark this season.

Emil Heineman, who kept working on his shot back home in Sweden this summer, on being ready & focused to play with the Habs in the NHL this year & beyond.

pic.twitter.com/n9vqetpKBB

– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) October 16, 2024