The Montreal Canadiens were able to get two big points with the late-game heroics of Lane Hutson and Nick Suzuki, who connected for a goal in the closing seconds of the third period. That play helped send it to overtime and then eventually a shootout, where the Canadiens were able to finally win the game.
They wouldn't have been in that position if it weren't for Ivan Demidov, who was arguably the best player on the ice for the Canadiens against the Panthers. However, the night wasn't perfect with a hilarious moment off the ice in between the second and third period.
During that intermission, Demidov was asked his thoughts on basically his first full year with Montreal after signing his contract almost one year to the day. The Canadiens' rookie accidentally led with some profanity, which seemed to shake him for the remainder of the interview.
Ivan Demidov's performance against the Panthers didn't go unnoticed by his Montreal Canadiens' teammates
The good news is that the interview didn't really change what he was able to do on the ice and had an excellent game against the Panthers. He would score the first goal of the game for Montreal and tie it up at one.
That goal moved his season total to 61 points and he continues to lead all rookies in that category. However, he does some of the little things that fly under the radar that help a team to be successful, like drawing three of the four penalties the Panthers were called for in this game.
After the game, the Canadiens' captain Nick Suzuki recognized what Demidov brings to this team and what he meant to them against the Panthers, "He's probably our best player tonight. He's creating stuff out of nothing, he's learning the game and what to do against other teams, how he can be effective. I think you're seeing in transition, he is really tough to stop."
When looking ahead to the playoffs, the Canadiens have one of the best top lines in the NHL with Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky. However, as they saw last season, they need more depth and players to step up who are not on that line.
Demidov is one of those players who can be a difference maker for this forward group and be a big reason why the Canadiens can make a deep run in the playoffs.