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For several days, reactions have been growing around the Canadiens as many supporters no longer understand how Martin St-Louis is managing the ice time of certain players.
A message posted by Jordan Decker added fuel to the fire. He points out that Joe Veleno sometimes receives as many minutes as Ivan Demidov.
“Joe Veleno was supposed to be a major “project”… he barely got signed.
He gets as much icetime(or not far off) as Demidov most nights.
Marty still has a ways to go when it comes to improving his deployment and usage. He admitted it, but it’s time to see some action.”
– Jordan Decker
Currently, number 93 is averaging 14.26 minutes per game, compared to 11.34 minutes per game for number 90. Many people are noticing a disconnect between the coach’s words and what is actually happening on the ice.
Martin St-Louis wants to improve in managing ice time with his young players. It’s time to see real changes. And it starts with a greater use of the second line which, since they were put together, has been one of the best lines on the Habs.
Ivan Demidov’s usage time is becoming a real sensitive topic
Despite limited ice time, Demidov is still the top rookie scorer this year with 20 points in 24 games.
“Ivan Demidov scored the game-winning goal and put himself among an elite group of Canadiens rookies.”
– NHLPR
It is hard to disagree with the idea of seeing him play more minutes every night. I think many supporters are wondering why he doesn’t play more.
We know what to ask for at Christmas: less Veleno and more Demidov.
Previously on All Montreal Hockey
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NOVEMBRE 27 | 969 ANSWERS
‘It’s time to see some action’: Martin St-Louis’ ice-time decisions face renewed scrutiny
Do you think Joe Veleno is getting too much ice time?
