Analyst Reveals Surprising Linemates for Ivan Demidov's Canadiens Debut
Photo credit: NHL
We're all eager to see Ivan Demidov play his first game with the Montreal Canadiens, and one of the most common questions regarding Demidov's debut concerns his linemates.
Who will be his two partners?
On that note, the excellent Dany Dubé, who is very well informed, and often close to the team, just shared a rather surprising suggestion.
Two New Linemates for Ivan Demidov Have Just Been Identified by Dany Dubé
As for Demidov, let's first remember that he took his first strides in a Canadiens uniform yesterday morning in Toronto, during an optional skate.
Regarding Martin St-Louis' new line combinations following Demidov's arrival, most experts and fans believe that young Oliver Kapanen will simply be "pushed" off the second line, and that Demidov will play with Alex Newhook and Patrik Laine.
But that's not what Dany Dubé thinks.
Speaking on 98.5 Sports, he stated:
"But for the next two games, at least until the team officially clinches a playoff spot, I don't see the need to break what's been built over the last two months.
The coach has worked very, very hard to build something, players have made sacrifices, have accepted less important roles within the team.
At some point, it's fragile. I think people in hockey understand that very well.
The best 'fit,' to avoid shaking up what you've built, is to place him with another newcomer (Kapanen).
And Demidov is a good playmaker. I'd play him with No. 92.."
- Dany Dubé
The coach has worked very, very hard to build something, players have made sacrifices, have accepted less important roles within the team.
At some point, it's fragile. I think people in hockey understand that very well.
The best 'fit,' to avoid shaking up what you've built, is to place him with another newcomer (Kapanen).
And Demidov is a good playmaker. I'd play him with No. 92.."
- Dany Dubé
In short, the analyst wouldn't want to touch the first line (Suzuki's), nor the third line (Dvorak's), but he would place Demidov with Oliver Kapanen and Patrik Laine, not Alex Newhook.
"But it's not Oliver Kapanen who would be affected, according to him, since he'd keep him on that line with the other two.
It's Alex Newhook he would move to the fourth line.
However, he specifies that he wouldn't take away his power play minutes."
- Marco Normandin
It's Alex Newhook he would move to the fourth line.
However, he specifies that he wouldn't take away his power play minutes."
- Marco Normandin
Interesting!
The full segment is right here:
And you, would you like to see the Kapanen (91), Laine (92), and Demidov (93) line come to life Monday night?
Previously on HabsFanatics
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 13 | 2273 ANSWERS Analyst Reveals Surprising Linemates for Ivan Demidov's Canadiens Debut And you, which line would you place Ivan Demidov on? | ||
| With Suzuki and Caufield | 499 | 22 % |
| With Dvorak | 174 | 7.7 % |
| With Newhook and Laine | 1245 | 54.8 % |
| With Kapanen and Laine | 355 | 15.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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