In the wake of a fiercely contested matchup between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Montreal Canadiens, whispers of controversy are swirling around the NHL community. The game itself was a spectacle—high stakes, relentless action, and a dramatic finish that left fans breathless. But beneath the surface, a more unsettling narrative has begun to emerge, one that threatens to overshadow the final score.
Allegations have surfaced suggesting that the Blackhawks may have deliberately targeted Montreal’s rising star, Ivan Demidov. With tempers flaring and penalties reaching new heights, questions are being raised about what really transpired on the ice. Was it just the heat of competitive hockey, or did Chicago have a specific agenda against one of the league’s most promising young talents?
Players and coaches have weighed in, but their responses only deepen the mystery. Did a single cross-check ignite a chain reaction of chaos? Are we witnessing the start of a new rivalry, or something far more personal? As the dust settles, the hockey world is left to wonder: was Demidov simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, or is there a hidden story yet to be revealed?
Read on to uncover the full details behind the controversy.
Photo credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
The Chicago Blackhawks have now been faced with allegations of targeting their divisional rival’s young talent, Ivan Demidov, of the Montreal Canadiens.
On Saturday, October 11, the Chicago Blackhawks took to the ice against their divisional rivals, the Montreal Canadiens, in a game that ended in a 3-2 loss for the Blackhawks after the Canadiens scored with 15 seconds left.
Despite the loss, this whole game was a great watch, as Chicago held their own and it was filled with action.
The Blackhawks hit new penalty highs, with the Montreal Canadiens achieving 10 power plays.
The game was undoubtedly a rough one.
With that said, speculations have begun surfacing regarding the Chicago Blackhawks allegedly targeting the Montreal Canadiens’ new young talent, Ivan Demidov.
Chicago Blackhawks face allegations of targeting the Montreal Canadiens’ Ivan Demidov
During the Blackhawks and Canadiens matchup, Chicago’s Wyatt Kaiser took a cross-check penalty on Ivan Demidov, which ultimately caused a spark of anger within Montreal’s lineup.
This led to several nasty hits and chaos and would later cause the Montreal Canadiens to target the Blackhawks’ young talents.
Following the game, the Canadiens were questioned regarding their reasoning behind going after the Blackhawks’ young stars.
This was later revealed by The Athletic.
Montreal Canadiens claim the Chicago Blackhawks targeted Ivan Demidov
“So, when he saw Blackhawks center Frank Nazar skating the puck through the neutral zone with his head down, Guhle pounced.
Did he realize that was Nazar skating through the neutral zone?
Guhle remained silent, which basically answered the question.
Did he know that when he hit a young, skilled player the way he did, he would be challenged to a fight?
«Yup,» he simply replied.
Was it a response to what the Blackhawks were doing with Demidov?
Guhle did not remain silent for that one.
«A little bit, yeah,» Guhle said. «I mean, if you go after one of our younger, skilled players, I’m going to do the same thing. I think they expect that. I don’t know, maybe they didn’t. But yeah, it had a little bit of something to do with that.»
Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki had the same read on the situation.
«He definitely had a target on his back tonight,» Suzuki said of Demidov. «I think guys around the league know what kind of player he is. I mean, he’s had that his whole life, probably. In minor hockey or in junior, when you’re a top player, guys know that. And he’s obviously that. He definitely handled it really well. He wasn’t retaliating, just kind of took it on the chin and kept battling.
«It’s great to see that from a young player.»
Demidov was on the ice when Guhle hit Nazar, as was Kaiser and Tyler Bertuzzi. They both went after Demidov as Guhle was busy fighting Louis Crevier, who picked up an instigator penalty for going after Guhle – a power play the Canadiens also scored on.
The Athletic wrote
Do you think the Chicago Blackhawks intended to target the Montreal Canadiens’ Ivan Demidov?
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