Ivan Demidov's arrival has caused a stir in the NHL fantasy landscape, but the focus is also on the struggling Montreal Canadiens. As they fight for a playoff spot, Demidov's performance has been scrutinized. Despite a strong start in his debut with a goal and an assist, defensive lapses led to a disastrous outcome for the Canadiens. They lost to the Chicago Blackhawks, raising questions about their postseason prospects. The Canadiens must secure wins while relying on their younger stars, navigating against teams like the Columbus Blue Jackets, who are finding their offensive rhythm.

With the postseason around the corner, understanding how players like Demidov will perform under pressure is crucial for fantasy owners. His hype is real, but fantasy managers should approach with caution, as inconsistency issues linger. The ongoing playoff implications will test not only the players but also the strategies of fantasy gamers navigating through these critical matchups.