Ivan Demidov takes pressure off Jacob Fowler, David Reinbacher and the Rocket

Dose
Crédit:

Let’s be honest, we don’t want to put too much pressure on Ivan Demidov, but…

But we’re going to say it: he’s the topic of the hour. The Russian is expected in Montreal with high anticipation (we’ll see when he arrives) and everyone is eager to see what he can do on an NHL ice rink.

The answer will come next week, apparently.

Right now, you’ll agree with me that all the sports attention in Quebec is on the Canadiens. The recent wins, the breakthroughs in the standings, and Demidov’s arrival have created a media frenzy. When it smells like playoffs in Montreal, it’s different from elsewhere.

But it’s interesting to remember that last week, when we didn’t think Demidov would be able to finish his season in the NHL, it was Jacob Fowler who was being talked about.

We’re still talking about him, but less so.

Last week, if we had mentioned that Pascal Vincent had opened the door to the idea of playing Fowler in the playoffs, it would have taken up a lot more space in the news.

It’s the same thing for David Reinbacher.

The fact that he’s skating or missing a practice is less talked about than it should be. The updates on his knee are less anticipated due to the Demidov situation.

By the force of circumstances, as Anthony Desaulniers said this morning on BPM Sports, this puts less pressure on the two top prospects of the Canadiens, as well as on their team, the Laval Rocket. Demidov’s presence is shifting the public’s attention away from the Habs fans.

The fact that the Rocket is already qualified also takes away some of the intrigue.

Will the guys in Laval (not just Fowler and Reinbacher, but Pascal Vincent and all the players in general) benefit from the fact that the attention is in Montreal to focus even more easily on the Calder Cup?

It’s perhaps the best of both worlds, since the distractions could be fewer… but the barn will be more than full in the playoffs in Laval, we’ll say it.

on the heels

– Ivan Demidov is special.

– Gavin McKenna in the NCAA?

– Some Quebec in Alex Ovechkin’s sticks. [La Voix De L’Est]

– Good listening.