NHL: Chicago Blackhawks at Montreal Canadiens - Source: Imagn — Canadiens' Ivan Demidov makes feelings known about his reception by fans in Bell Centre - Source: Imagn

Canadiens' Ivan Demidov makes feelings known about his reception by fans in Bell Centre

Modified Apr 15, 2025 06:20 GMT

Considerable excitement surrounded Ivan Demidov when the Montreal Canadiens selected him No. 5 overall in the 2024 NHL draft. He joined the Habs after signing a three-year entry-level contract last week, following a mutual parting with SKA Petersburg of the KHL.

On Monday, Demidov justified the anticipation, scoring a goal and adding an assist in a 4-3 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks. He became the second-youngest Canadiens skater and third teenager to score in their NHL debut.

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The Bell Centre Arena gave Ivan Demidov a thunderous ovation in his first game. Reflecting on the fans' reception, the 19-year-old Russian described it as an incredible experience.

"It's crazy, but I have a feeling that the fans love me. It's cool. It's amazing," Demidov said postgame." I think I got some good stuff today from the game. It was a pretty nice experience. I love this city and the fans."

Before joining the NHL, Ivan Demidov finished the 2024-25 season on a high note, notching 49 points through 18 goals and 30 assists in 65 games.

Ivan Demidov shines though Canadiens fail to clinch playoff berth

The Montreal Canadiens failed to clinch a playoff berth for the first time since 2021 after losing 4-3 in the shootout to the Chicago Blackhawks at Bell Centre on Monday.

Alex Newhoo opened the scoring for the Canadiens after giving them a 1-0 lead 6:00 into the first period. Ivan Demidov scored on his debut to put the Habs up 2-0 at 13:32. With less than two minutes remaining in the period, Tyler Bertuzzi scored on the power-play to cut the deficit to 2-1 for the Blackhawks.

Frank Nazar tied it 2-2 for the Hawks after scoring on the power play at 16:41 into the second period. Lucas Reichel put the Blackhawks ahead for the first time after his goal at 5:39 made it 3-2. Juraj Slafkovsky's late power-play goal equalized for the Canadiens.

After a goalless overtime, the Chicago Blackhawks eventually came out victorious in the shootout. The Canadiens lead the Columbus Blue Jackets by four points in the East's Wild Card standings. The Blue Jackets have two more games remaining compared to Montreal's one in the regular season.

The Canadiens will finish their regular-season against the Carolina Hurricanes at Centre Bell Arena on Wednesday.

About the author

Abhishek is an NHL writer at Sportskeeda with over 2 years of sports reporting experience and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Delhi. He became a fan of ice hockey after watching NHL fight videos on YouTube, which led to him professionally writing about the sport and his continued interest in all things hockey.

A fan of the Boston Bruins, Abhishek considers their incredible comeback win against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2013 playoffs as the most iconic moment in the NHL. His admiration for the six-time Stanley Cup winners also comes from the team’s storied history, distinctive black and gold uniform and their success in the sport. His all-time favorite NHL players are Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid, for their ability to perform at the highest level consistently.

Abhishek ensures his reporting is fair and balanced by being well-researched in his details, which he expects to be relevant, up-to-date and in line with ethical standards. His specialties are doing detailed match analysis and covering fan reactions.

Abhishek enjoys music, traveling and going on walks with his three German Shepherds in his free time, along with learning about horticulture.

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