Demidov Wows in Debut, But Canadiens’ Playoff Hopes Teeter on Final Game
So here's where we are — it’s April, and Montreal is buzzing in the only way it knows how when the Habs are sniffing the playoffs. But this time, that buzz is edged with anxiety. The Canadiens, so close to locking in a wild card spot, dropped their third straight game Monday night, a 4-3 shootout loss to the Chicago Blackhawks. And while the loss has fans chewing their nails down to the bone, there was at least one reason for everyone to smile: the dazzling NHL debut of 19-year-old Ivan Demidov.
Let’s talk about that for a second. Demidov didn’t just show up, he arrived . The kid stepped onto NHL ice for the first time and immediately stamped his name all over the game. On his third shift, he set up Alex Newhook with a beautiful assist that had the Bell Centre roaring like it was already Round One of the playoffs. And before the first period was even done, Demidov chased down a puck off the boards and buried his first NHL goal with a slick backhand. The crowd went nuts . I'm talking playoff-decibel, standing-O, Bell Centre madness. You could feel the air shift.
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Demidov, the Canadiens’ fifth overall pick in the 2024 draft, only signed his entry-level deal last week after parting ways with SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL. Montreal fans had been tracking his journey like he was a rock star on tour — literally following his flight across the ocean. The hype was wild, and somehow, he lived up to it .
But here’s the thing: despite the electric start, Montreal couldn’t close. They led 2-0 after one, but Chicago clawed back — even took the lead — and though Slafkovsky tied it late, the Habs couldn’t seal the deal in the shootout. Three missed chances to clinch. It’s tough.
Captain Nick Suzuki tried to keep things calm postgame, saying it didn’t feel like pressure, just a continuation of big games. But you could tell — everyone in that building knew what was at stake. And now, it’s all down to the final game on Wednesday against the Hurricanes. One point. That’s all Montreal needs. Or they need Columbus to falter in one of their last two games. The Canadiens still control their destiny — just barely.
Meanwhile, Demidov Fever is real. Posters are going up around the city like he’s running for office. He’s already become a fan favorite, and in just one night, he reminded everyone why this team’s future is so exciting, even if the present is giving us heart palpitations.
So yeah, Monday’s loss hurt — but there’s something brewing here in Montreal. And if Demidov’s debut was just the beginning, the best may still be just around the corner.
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