'A matter of time': Demidov breaks out with Canadiens now one win from third round

Canadiens winger Ivan Demidov (93) skates with the puck against the Sabres in Buffalo, N.Y., on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)

BUFFALO — Ivan Demidov had rung pucks off iron and been robbed by opposition netminders.

Looking to change his playoff fortunes, the ultra-talented Canadiens winger made a subtle tweak for Game 5 of Montreal’s series against the Buffalo Sabres.

Demidov shed the black stick tape he had wrapped around his blade since the tail end of a first-round matchup with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

White tape was back in vogue. Along with another inspired effort at both ends of the rink, the rookie Russian’s luck finally changed.

Demidov scored the first post-season goal of his career and added an assist Thursday as part of a 6-3 decision that pushed the Canadiens within one victory of the NHL’s Eastern Conference final.

“He finally went back to the white tape, which I like,” Montreal forward Juraj Slafkovsky deadpanned. “I can’t look at him with the black tape on the stick … I think that’s the only thing that changed.

“He’s a confident guy. He has some of the best skill I’ve ever seen.”

Demidov, who finished second in Calder Trophy voting behind unanimous winner Matthew Schaefer of the New York Islanders, had registered six assists in 16 playoff contests ahead of Game 5.

He finally broke through on a power play early in Thursday’s third period after drawing the penalty with a strong move to the net. The 20-year-old took a pass in the slot and picked his spot upstairs with a bullet shot past Alex Lyon — in for the final 20 minutes after Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was pulled — to effectively put things out of reach.

“I don’t know (how to) describe it,” Demidov, who nearly scored in the second on an effort that leaked through Luukkonen and was swept in by teammate Jake Evans, said of his emotions seeing the puck hit twine. “How many chances I have in other games, and I didn’t score … (it) relieves this pressure from my back.”

The St. Petersburg native had 19 goals and 43 assists for 62 points across 82 regular-season games, but was thwarted by countryman Andrei Vasilevskiy in an opening-round slugfest before Lyon and Luukkonen shut the door — until Thursday.

“Demi’s looked really good this series,” said Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis, whose team can advance to the Eastern Conference final with a Saturday victory at the Bell Centre. “You could tell he was all over it. You can tell that he was kind of building his game, and it was just a matter of time.

“I’ve been very pleased with Demi. It’s not just the offensive stuff that comes out that’s flashy … he actually plays the game defensively.”

Montreal defenceman Lane Hutson — last year’s Calder winner and the club’s No. 1 blueliner — did his best to keep Demidov’s spirits high.

“Such a gifted offensive player,” he said. “I try to tell him to just keep playing the same way. He was getting his chances, creating a lot for other guys.”

St. Louis sees parallels between Hutson and Demidov as young players with sky-high expectations in a hockey-mad city and province.

“Their confidence comes from their preparation … you have to work to be a confident player,” said the Hall of Fame forward and Stanley Cup winner. “It’s not just about the goals. Ya, that’s going to help, but to me, it’s the preparation that leads up to everything that you’re trying to do. Those guys are perfectionists.”

Canadiens centre Phillip Danault said it felt like Demidov’s breakthrough was inevitable.

“Buzzing the last few games,” he said. “The type of guy who will create a lot of space for himself one-on-one. When he learns how to exploit that, he will become even more dominant.”

Montreal’s bench erupted in celebration Thursday when Demidov pinged home his post-season breakthrough — for both its significance in the series and to the player.

“We believe in everyone in our team,” he said. “Really appreciate everyone that was supporting me after (the) goal, cheering for me.”

So, was it the stick tape that made all the difference?

“Maybe,” Demidov replied with a grin. “Maybe.”

Locking it down

Montreal had a chance to eliminate the Lightning at home in Game 6, but suffered a 1-0 overtime loss before grinding out a 2-1 road victory in Game 7.

“It takes a lot,” St. Louis said of trying to end an opponent’s season. “Probably takes your best and more.”

Saturday night fever

The Canadiens will play their first Saturday home game of the playoffs with a chance to advance and face the Carolina Hurricanes.

“I don’t think you can write it any better to close out a series,” Canadiens forward and Montreal native Joe Veleno said. “We’re all ready for it.”

-With files from Alexis Bélanger-Champagne.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 15, 2026.

Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press