Ivan Demidov Shines Under Calgary’s Spotlight
The Montreal Canadiens relied on the talents of Ivan Demidov during a tightly contested match against the Calgary Flames. In an exciting overtime, Demidov assisted Mike Matheson, leading the Canadiens to a 2-1 victory. This win marked the start of Montreal’s four-game Western road trip.
Key Highlights from the Game
Demidov’s performance was crucial as he showcased patience and skill. He approached the opposing net before delivering an accurate pass to Matheson, who netted the game-winning goal just a minute into overtime.
“When Newy (Alex Newhook) received the puck, I positioned myself to receive the pass. I noticed the space and aimed to feint a shot, but then I saw Mike across the crease,” Demidov explained.
The Flames never gained possession during the overtime period, a fact praised by Canadiens head coach Martin St-Louis. “I loved how we could change players while maintaining puck possession, preventing the other team from changing,” he noted.
Season Overview
This win was the Canadiens’ second consecutive victory and their sixth in just eight games this season. They have already recorded three wins in overtime. St-Louis pointed out some areas for improvement, especially in the second period’s discipline, as the team incurred five penalties.
Notable Player Performance
- Jakub Dobes: The goaltender made an impressive 36 saves, showcasing his confidence in net with a perfect record of four wins this season. He has allowed only six goals throughout this stretch.
- Zachary Bolduc: The Quebec native scored his fourth goal of the season with an assist from Nick Suzuki and Lane Hutson on a power play.
- Mike Matheson: Scored the decisive overtime goal, marking his second goal of the season.
Game Stats
| Team | Goals | Shots on Goal | Power Play Success |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montreal Canadiens | 2 | 28 | 1/4 |
| Calgary Flames | 1 | 27 | 0/3 |
Both teams displayed intense moments; however, the Flames managed to tie the score at 1-1 in the third period off a turnover by Noah Dobson, leading to Adam Klapka’s goal.
The Canadiens aim to continue their winning momentum as they face the Edmonton Oilers next. This matchup will test their ability to maintain focus and discipline, critical for their ongoing success.
