A name was on everyone’s lips – and all the signs – in front of the Bell Center on Monday: Ivan Demidov. The young Russian began his journey within the National Hockey League in a very particular context, while the Montreal Canadians are a victory near the qualifiers.
On the sidelines of the match between the Montreal club and the Chicago Blackhawks, the supporters met by The duty All had the same goal: see the Montreal club qualify for the playoffs. Many of them pile up on the sidewalks near the arena, to get as close as possible to the frenzy of the game. In the sale of derivative products outside the arena, the 93 Di -Diidov sweater was also very popular.
“This is the match of the year,” said Confident Maxime Vallée before the start of the game. He and his brothers, finished fans of the Habs, have these tickets for months and consider themselves very lucky to be able to attend the first part of Demidov. “We’re going to see his first goal tonight,” said Maxime, confident, holding a sign with the face of the Russian recruit.
Luke Macdonald is three years old and is already playing hockey. Attending the game that could send the Montreal club to series with Luke is a golden opportunity, says his father with joy. Hockey is a tradition among macdonalds. “We look at each game in French,” says the Ontario born in Quebec. In doing so, he hopes to enhance French for his son, through sport.
Rwlan Jolicœur, supporter of the Blackhaws, secretly hopes that the Canadian will win the argument. “It would be a great victory,” he said, in line to get into the arena. Its main objective of the evening? See Connor Bedard play. The rest, it can do without.
-A recruit to monitor
Although the supporters hope to see Demidov standing out in the exchange, head coach Martin St-Louis remains realistic. Demidov is not a savior, he is rather the last addition to a very good team. Managing Director Kent Hughes, he wanted to recall that a match does not make a career.
“We are happy to have it, but obviously, our concentration is made on efforts to finish work with two games to play,” started by saying Hughes, at the Bell Center.
“Sometimes the recruits start immediately, then stagnate. We are more focused on what it represents for us, for the next five to 10 years, than on what it will do tonight. »»
Hughes believes, however, that Demidov presented himself with an impeccable attitude and that he will be perfectly integrated into the team.
With the Canadian press
