Practice: Ivan Demidov still on the second powerplay unit

We recall that for nine games, the Habs’ powerplay has only one goal in 20 attempts. Patrik Laine’s shots, responsible for a ton of powerplay goals this season, are no longer going in… and for a team that has been so dependent on them all season, they can’t find other ways to score with the man advantage.

Well, we may have found one when a puck accidentally deflected off Juraj Slafkovský against the Blackhawks on Monday… but it will take more than that.

Demidov, who has already shown a ton of offensive creativity since his arrival, was seen as a possible solution to all this. It would have taken moving a big gun from the club to make room for him, but it could have been worth it.

However, Martin St-Louis seems to be saving that card for later. He is trusting his current units… and we can hope that the first unit will finally break through.

Otherwise, we can also hope that Demidov will make sparks on the second unit… but one thing is certain: the Habs will have to capitalize on their powerplay opportunities in a series where they are the underdog. And we can think that St-Louis passed that message on to his players this morning.

In Overtime

– Note that during practice, Samuel Montembeault did some solo work with Éric Raymond, who had him practice his movements when a player is behind his net.

– Let’s hope that helps them contain Alex Ovechkin.

– David Savard is having fun.

– Miro Heiskanen is approaching a return. He won’t play tonight, though.

– Matthew Tkachuk seems to be in shape.

– Interesting.