Ivan Demidov is making a notable impact in his rookie season with the Montreal Canadiens. So far, he has recorded 26 points in 30 games. This performance puts him on track for 71 points over a full 82-game season. However, he faces a significant challenge: only six of those points are from goals.
Demidov’s Role as a Playmaker
While Demidov is recognized as an impressive playmaker, there is concern regarding his willingness to shoot. His shooting numbers reveal that he has only taken 38 shots, ranking him 10th on the team. For comparison, Cole Caufield leads with 85 shots, followed by Nick Suzuki at 65 and Juraj Slafkovsky at 60.
Comparative Shooting Statistics
| Player | Shots | Goals | Shooting Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cole Caufield | 85 | 17 | 20% |
| Oliver Kapanen | 48 | 10 | 20.8% |
| Ivan Demidov | 38 | 6 | 15.8% |
| Nick Suzuki | 65 | 8 | 12.3% |
| Juraj Slafkovsky | 60 | 5 | 8.3% |
Understanding Offensive Dynamics
Demidov’s linemate, Oliver Kapanen, boasts an impressive shooting percentage and ranks as the second-highest goal scorer on the team. However, Demidov often opts to pass rather than shoot, even in promising situations. This tendency was evident in a recent game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he did not register a shot despite having quality chances.
The Importance of Recognizing Opportunities
Demidov must learn to gauge when he is in a prime position to take a shot. Being too focused on setting up plays can diminish his effectiveness on the ice. If he continues to hesitate, opponents may not view him as a genuine shooting threat. This will allow defensive players to concentrate on his teammates, which could hinder their performance as well.
Rookie Scoring Race and Future Prospects
Currently, Demidov sits second in the rookie scoring race, trailing Beckett Sennecke of the Anaheim Ducks by just two points. Sennecke leads with 26 points, including ten goals. If Demidov can improve his shooting and assert his offensive capabilities, he has the potential to excel further.
For the Montreal Canadiens to celebrate another Calder Trophy win, Demidov needs to elevate his game and distinguish himself from his fellow rookies. Embracing a more aggressive offensive strategy could be key in his journey to the top.
