Demidov Scores as St. Louis Sees More Speed
The Canadiens winger scored and had nine shot attempts in a 4-3 preseason win over Toronto; his coach also saw more pace and strength.
Ivan Demidov scored a power-play goal and generated nine shot attempts as the Montreal Canadiens beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-3 in overtime at Bell Centre on Saturday, Sept. 19. After the game, coach Martin St. Louis told Sportsnet that the 20-year-old winger appeared quicker and stronger than last season.
St. Louis said he had seen the same improvement in practice. He believes the extra pace can help Demidov create space, get his eyes up and use his skill to make the next play. Demidov told Sportsnet he wants to shoot more often this season, while St. Louis said the playmaker is learning when to pass and when to take the shot.
Demidov led NHL rookies with 62 points, including 19 goals and 43 assists, in 82 games last season. He scored Saturday from the right face-off circle in the first period, according to NHL.com. Cole Caufield supplied Montreal’s overtime winner. The performance gave St. Louis an early preseason look at Demidov’s offseason progress, though it was only the first exhibition game.
