“It’s crazy” : Ivan Demidov gives love to Montreal and the Habs fans

Ivan Demidov has finally played his first game in the NHL, which unfortunately ended in a defeat. The young forward however got his first assist… before adding his first goal a few minutes later.
All this in the first period, by the way, making him the first player in habs history to achieve this feat in his first career game.
That being said, we had not seen him speak to the media since his arrival, and it was tonight after the game that it happened.
What we retain from all this is that the young Russian is really touched by the love he receives. He said it himself: he loves the city and he loves the habs fans, who gave him a nice ovation during warm-ups.
No, the welcome he received in Toronto did not destabilize him.
« I love the city and the fans! » – Ivan Demidov
pic.twitter.com/pAqwmKEC4Q
— RDS (@RDSca) April 15, 2025
Journalists also asked him what he thought of seeing so many microphones… and he said it was “too much”. It didn’t seem to bother him too much, though.
That being said, he admits he was a bit nervous when he jumped on the ice for the first time. He didn’t want to fall and make a fool of himself, haha.
Ivan Demidov on his nervousness:
« In the dressing room before the game, it was okay, but on the ice during my shift, I was afraid of falling or something (laughs). The crowd was amazing. »
— Anthony Martineau (@Antho_Martineau) April 15, 2025
As for his game, Demidov says he’s satisfied with his first two periods. He notes that it got complicated afterwards… and he thinks it might have something to do with the time difference.
He’s starting to get into the rhythm, but we can understand that it still affects him a bit.
That being said, Demidov confirmed that the plan was to send him to the shootout. If we had needed a fourth round, therefore, we can think that Demidov would have had his chance… but it didn’t happen, in the end.
He’ll have his chances in the future, though: I’m not even worried.
We’ve finally been able to hear a few words from the kid, who gave a lot of love to the fans. And after his performance tonight, I have the impression that it won’t be the last time he feels that love…
In Overtime
– Talking about the wolf.
Congratulations, Ivan!
Congrats, Ivan!#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/Hjo0bV2TTu
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) April 15, 2025
– Indeed.
It’s unprecedented according to Martin St-Louis the situation in the shootout… Indeed.
The 4 referees messed up, all 4… #CH
— Max Lalonde (@MaxLalonde_) April 15, 2025
– Alex Ovechkin doesn’t seem to want to retire.
Alex Ovechkin on how much longer he can keep playing: « I love being around the boys. As long as I can, I’ll try to stick around in NHL. » https://t.co/PGHmTfTyKy
— RMNB (@rmnb) April 14, 2025
– Wow!
A quick look at the American League stats.
I stop at the name of Cayden Primeau.
In 25 appearances in front of the net, he allowed 49 goals. 49! It’s amazing. The net belongs to him in the series in Laval, without a doubt.
— Anthony Marcotte (@anthonymarcotte) April 14, 2025
– Tom Willander agrees with the Canucks.
Hearing #Canucks and 2023 first round pick Tom Willander have an agreement in place on an entry-level deal that begins in the 2025-26 season.
Not entirely clear when deal will be announced, but he’s turning pro.
Willander is back on campus finishing out the semester.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) April 15, 2025