Canadiens May Need to Shift Demidov to Top Line for Playoff Success

The Montreal Canadiens are surprising many by still being in contention as the playoffs progress toward June, especially considering their top line’s struggles. In the first two rounds, the trio of Nick Suzuki, Juraj Slafkovsky, and Cole Caufield has been largely neutralized, leaving fans and analysts questioning their effectiveness.

In 14 playoff games, Suzuki has amassed 13 points, but a concerning eight of those came on the power play. Both Slafkovsky and Caufield have contributed nine points, with just one of those points scored at even strength. Adding to the alarm, these three forwards are among only five players on the Canadiens’ roster with a negative differential, alongside Noah Dobson and Joe Veleno. This statistic highlights a troubling trend: not only are they failing to produce at even strength, but they are also being outscored.

Slafkovsky’s performance has been particularly worrisome, as he has only managed four power-play goals in the playoffs, and his effectiveness has been diminishing since the series against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The physical toll of the playoffs is evident, especially after he took a heavy hit from Brandon Hagel and another from Max Crozier. It appears that Slafkovsky may be playing through an injury, which adds urgency for the Canadiens as they prepare to face the high-scoring Carolina Hurricanes.

However, one player who has been steadily improving is rookie Ivan Demidov. With seven points in 14 games, Demidov is becoming a more significant threat on the ice, having racked up five of those points in the last five games. His pivotal role in the Canadiens’ recent success was evident, as his forechecking helped regain puck possession, leading to Alex Newhook’s series-winning overtime goal. While he did not receive an assist on that play, his contributions are becoming increasingly vital.

At just 20 years old, Demidov has shown impressive playmaking abilities, and placing him on Caufield’s opposite wing could provide the sniper with more opportunities to score in crucial areas. Both Caufield, Suzuki, Slafkovsky, and Demidov recorded five points in three games against the Hurricanes during the regular season. Given the recent underperformance of the top line, Canadiens head coach Martin St-Louis may need to consider this adjustment for a much-needed boost.

The first game of this third-round series is set to be crucial. The Hurricanes have had a lengthy 11-day break, while the Canadiens are coming off an intense series against the Buffalo Sabres that required them to dig deep. While the rest could benefit Carolina in the long run, early in the series, they may need to shake off some rust, and Montreal must capitalize on that opportunity.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.