Martin Saint-Louis has said in recent days that he needs to better manage Ivan Demidov's playing time. The Russian deserves more ice time, and everyone knows it.
And let's just say yesterday trainer replied.
Ivan Demidov was on the ice for 19:29 immediately following the Canadiens' win over the Jets. This is a career-high playing time for a rookie.
Does Ivan Demidov deserve Martin Saint-Louis' trust? #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/Wh7YEOPjxn
– RDS (@RDSca) December 4, 2025
And let's just say he earned his minutes. Andrey Markov's advice undoubtedly helped…
There wasn't much play on special teams, which meant the young man got some playing time at even strength. He found ways to stand out.
He played a very complete game on both sides of the court and his unlikely The chemistry with Oliver Kapanen continued to serve the Canadiens' cause well.
This game is #93… wow.
Oliver Kapanen: tied for NHL rookie lead with 8 goals
Ivan Demidov: tied for first among NHL rookies with 20 points glasses#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/u7UzfdHy89
– Sportsnet Statistics (@SNstats) December 4, 2025
In fact, Martin St. Louis was lucky with his trio. Alexandre Texier played well with both rookies, and Juraj Slafkowski's return to Nick Suzuki's team also helped the Habs' cause.
The top 6 did their job.
However, last night Zachary Bolduc lost the top spot in 7:54. Is this just a message… or the start of a trend?
We will receive an answer in the next few days. But let's keep in mind that the next game is on the way…
But this is not the only thing we can take away from the match, which was rich in emotions. Even before the match there was excitement in Temple.
Have you ever seen a general move?
Sorry, but no other NHL city values ​​and showcases its team like Montreal.!#GoHabsGo@sickpodnhl @thesickpodcasts https://t.co/WZIHAnw0Ab
– Jimmy Murphy (@MurphysLaw74) December 4, 2025
1. The Canadiens got it eighth return this season. It's not sustainable in the long term (the last few weeks have proven that), but it's better to do it than to fail.
This morning the glass is half full.
2. I didn't want to see Alexandre Texier shoot in the penalty shootout. We know he's got the chops, and if this helps him gain confidence along the way… so much the better.
On the other hand, Nick Suzuki missed again.
3. Arber Csekay has lost his mojo in recent weeks. But yesterday victory over Adam Lowry allowed him to stop doubting his abilities.
Seeing his coach sing his praises must also do him good.
“Arber Czekay gave us two very good games. When he plays like that, he forces us to use him more. He gives us a lot of quality.”
-Martin St. Louis pic.twitter.com/NMEbdpxN4M
– Anthony Martineau (@Antho_Martineau) December 4, 2025
4. John Cooper told his boys in extra time at the Four Nations that one of them needed to be selfish and shoot instead of constantly passing.
I can't get that sentence out of my head when I watch the Canadiens. Yesterday it was tense in overtime.
after a while
The Canadiens are not playing today. Training is on the menu tomorrow and the club heads to Toronto for Saturday's game against the Maple Leafs.
I don't expect to see any changes in the lineup.
With Florian Czekai and Adam Engström sent back downThe Canadiens have just 18 healthy skaters. They will need at least one extra to hit the road.
The candidates are Mark Del Gaiso and/or Samuel Blais. Let's see who's at training tomorrow.
