Habs Daily: Ivan Demidov, Pierre Houde, Canadiens Momentum

Here are the Montreal Canadiens news items, highlights, and stories you may have missed on Monday.

Montreal Canadiens News

It initially appeared top prospect Ivan Demidov scored a goal in SKA’s 6-3 win over Amur, but the goal was later credited to his teammate, as the puck deflected off Ivan Zinchenko. Demidov had gone through a slight production drought in recent games, making his assist on Monday the first point he’s generated in the last seven games. He currently has six goals and 14 assists in 29 games. Coincidentally, or not, the downtick in scoring closely correlated with the lowered ice time given to Demidov.

#gohabsgo Ivan Demidov scores off the draw, quick shot with a deflection. pic.twitter.com/N0srkrpyUU

— Matt Drake (@DrakeMT) November 18, 2024

The Canadiens honoured legendary broadcaster Pierre Houde prior to the puck drop against the Edmonton Oilers. Houde is well known as one of the best play-by-play men in hockey history, and was recently awarded the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award at the Hockey Hall of Fame. [Canadiens Tribute: Pierre Houde Represents The Best Of Us]

Quelle belle ovation pour le récipiendaire du prix Foster-Hewitt de cette année 👏 Félicitations encore, @PierreHoudeRDS!

Standing ovation for the recipient of this year’s Foster Hewitt Memorial Award 👏 Congrats again, Pierre!
#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/keD7KoZ4XI

— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) November 19, 2024

Don’t look now, but thanks to a complete team effort on Monday night against the Edmonton Oilers, the Habs now have a little momentum in their corner. The 3-0 win was one of the most impressive games from Martin St-Louis’ team in the last few years, both offensive and defensively. Samuel Montembeault has also found his rhythm of late, and has done a great job improving the odds he will end up as Team Canada’s start at the 4 Nations Faceoff. [Habs Highlights: Total Team Effort Leads To Great Canadiens Win]

Cole Caufield made a crucial play in the game when he outworked Leon Draisaitl, which eventually led to Kaiden Guhle’s second goal of the year. He didn’t score, but his hot start to the season ranks well against many former Habs greats.

Though kept off the goals scoresheet in Saturday’s @CanadiensMTL win vs CBJ (contributing a pair of assists nonetheless), Cole Caufield’s been a vital contributor to the Habs’ offence so far in 2024-25 and for much of his NHL career as he currently ranks behind just 6 names here pic.twitter.com/MZTaK2Y7hJ

— StatsCentre (@StatsCentre) November 18, 2024

Patrik Laine is back to practising, but the other injured Hab, David Reinbacher, is not expected to return any time soon. Fortunately, Reinbacher has the added mental health benefit of being around the team as he recovers from his injury, [Potential Impact Of Patrik Laine’s Return To Canadiens Lineup]

Though kept off the goals scoresheet in Saturday’s @CanadiensMTL win vs CBJ (contributing a pair of assists nonetheless), Cole Caufield’s been a vital contributor to the Habs’ offence so far in 2024-25 and for much of his NHL career as he currently ranks behind just 6 names here pic.twitter.com/MZTaK2Y7hJ

— StatsCentre (@StatsCentre) November 18, 2024

National Hockey Now Network

The Pittsburgh Penguins’ slow march to the bottom is going to take a while, and it appears the effort to avoid hitting rock bottom before turning around the franchise, which has been richly rewarded by the Sidney Crosby era, is failing. [Pittsburgh Penguins]

There were big expectations when Elias Lindholm came to Boston. He had big expectations for himself. Unfortunately, the forward has failed to confirm the hype since arriving with his new team. [Boston Bruins]

Oliver Kapanen’s cousin, Kasperi, was placed on waivers by the St-Louis Blues on Monday. [New Jersey Devils]