Canadiens look to lock up playoff spot as Demidov makes NHL debut tonight
Posted April 14, 2025 8:52 am.
Last Updated April 14, 2025 5:23 pm.
The Montreal Canadiens hope to clinch a playoff spot from the comfort of their own arena on Monday night as Ivan Demidov is set to make his NHL debut tonight.
The 19-year-old Russian forward, selected fifth overall in the most recent draft, will experience his first game with the Habs against the Chicago Blackhawks at the Bell Centre.
“It is one of the biggest games for sure I haven’t been to a game this late in the season with this much on the line,” said Montreal Canadiens fan Ernest Dingle who travelled from Nova Scotia.
“The stakes are high. I think everyone here in the city knows that,” said Peter Googoo, who also travelled from Nova Scotia.
“Habs nation knows that, but the Bell Center is going to go crazy,” he added.
Demidov, the top prospect in the entire world not yet playing in the NHL, was taken fifth overall in last year’s draft.
Surprisingly, he signed a contract with the Canadiens, opening the door to the beginning of his NHL career this season where he could have an impact right away in the playoffs.
Arriving in North America ahead of schedule, Demidov is an electric offensive talent who has the potential to become a superstar in the NHL.
Martin St. Louis confirms Demidov. Says Armia balances things out defensively on the line.
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) April 14, 2025
The Montreal Canadiens‘ top prospect skated on a line with centre Alex Newhook and winger Joel Armia at morning skate ahead of the team’s game tonight.
Coach Martin St. Louis said Demidov also will play on the second power-play unit.
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— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) April 14, 2025
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“It’s important for everyone to know he’s not a saviour,” St. Louis told reporters. “We have a really good team, he’s going to be a piece of our really good team — that’s the way we see it.”
The Russian-born Demidov arrived in Toronto on Friday and met up with the team the next morning at Scotiabank Arena ahead of the Canadiens’ game against the Maple Leafs.
https://x.com/EricEngels/status/1911796995359994303Demidov signed with the Canadiens last week after his KHL season ended.
“ It’ll be something to say for the future that you’ve been to the first game Demidov ever played, so that’s pretty impressive,” said Montreal fan from Ontario Robert Minifie.
“The excitement, the electricity, the energy is going to be there, it’ll be like a game seven,” he added.
Habs fans from across the country and even Germany will all be in attendance when the puck drops at 7 p.m.
“[My son] he’s such a huge Canadian fan and his long time wish was to see Canadians game live,” said Thorsten Kindermann who flew to Montreal from Germany for the game.
After failing to wrap up a playoff spot the past three nights, the Canadiens can book their post-season ticket with a win over the visiting Blackhawks tonight.
The Canadiens missed chances to seal the deal with losses against the Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs on Friday and Saturday, respectively. Another chance came and went Sunday when Columbus beat the Washington Capitals, keeping the Blue Jackets alive for at least one more day.
Speaking with Montreal fans in front of the Bell Centre, many predict a score of three to one for Montreal or a blow out at five to one.
“[My prediction is] Three-two Habs in overtime with Suzuki scoring the goal,” said a Montreal fan.
