The use of Ivan Demidov with SKA Saint Petersburg has sparked discussions since his first skates this season with the Russian club. These concerns were partly justified because, like it or not, the winger is only 18 years old and this campaign was to be one of his apprenticeship. Prior to today’s game, Demidov had averaged 12 minutes and 33 seconds of playing time, a limited number, but still acceptable.
However, his usage really reached a new peak of mediocrity in the duel played earlier against Dinamo Minsk. Before the match, we learned that he would be part of the fourth attacking unit rather than the third, as usual. Nothing alarming at this level, since he had already moved on this line in the middle of September.
On the other hand, what is really ridiculous is that the Montreal Canadiens protégé only spent 4 minutes and 7 seconds on the ice during the three periods of play, and he did not have the opportunity to stand out during the third engagement.
It’s difficult to understand the situation, since the native of Sergiev Posad ranks fourth among the team’s leading scorers and was named rookie of the month for September a few days ago.
SKA triumphed over Minsk by a score of 3-0. The next match of the club which plays at the Ice Palace will take place on October 5 against Severstal Cherepovets.
