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The pressure just ramped up big time on young Ivan Demidov and the Montreal Canadiens ahead of tomorrow night’s highly anticipated game at the Bell Centre.

The Columbus Blue Jackets just won another game, grabbing a big two points in the standings (in regulation, no less).

We now officially have a battle for the final playoff spot in the East.

Tomorrow night’s game becomes absolutely crucial for the Habs.

Martin St-Louis’ squad must beat the Chicago Blackhawks, because if they don’t, it will truly open the door for the Blue Jackets to pull off a massive surprise.

Are you nervous or confident?

I really hope the high stakes surrounding tomorrow’s game won’t change the organization’s mind about having Demidov in the lineup.

I hope they won’t decide to scratch him.

Pressure? Demidov can handle plenty of it!

His agent has said it, Kent Hughes has said it, and Demidov himself has said it.

Tomorrow’s Game Becomes Crucial for Martin St-Louis and the Montreal Canadiens: A Big Decision Looms Regarding Ivan Demidov

Do you think the Canadiens will delay Demidov’s debut to overprotect him?

Do you think that would be the right call?

One thing’s for sure: the Blue Jackets are now closing in on the Habs in a dangerous way.

“With a 4-1 win in Washington, Columbus keeps its playoff hopes alive.
Montreal will have a chance to make a statement Monday night against Chicago.”

– Elliotte Friedman, Sportsnet

The good news is that the atmosphere at the Bell Centre should be absolutely electric tomorrow night, especially if Ivan Demidov is indeed thrown into the fire.

More to come.