The tension inside Chicago’s United Center was palpable as the Blackhawks faced off against the Montreal Canadiens in their highly anticipated home opener.

But while fans came for the thrill of NHL action, what unfolded on the ice was a dramatic sequence that left both teams—and the league—buzzing with speculation. Behind the final score and highlight reels, a deeper story began to take shape, one that centers on two of hockey’s brightest young talents: Ivan Demidov and Frank Nazar.

As the game progressed, physicality escalated to a boiling point, with Montreal’s rookie Demidov finding himself in the crosshairs of Chicago’s relentless defense. What happened next sent shockwaves through both locker rooms—a heavy hit delivered by Montreal’s Kaiden Guhle to Chicago’s Frank Nazar, followed by an immediate challenge from Blackhawks’ Louis Crevier. Was this just standard hockey aggression, or something far more calculated?

With candid admissions from players and subtle hints from coaches, the narrative grew more complex. Why did the Canadiens target Nazar? How did Demidov respond to the pressure? And what does this mean for the future of these rising stars—and the rivalry between their teams? The answers lie beyond the surface. Read on to discover the full story behind the controversy.

Blackhawks forward Frank Nazar

Photo credit: NHL.com

The Montreal Canadiens admitted that they targeted Blackhawks forward Frank Nazar in response to their physicality against rookie Ivan Demidov on Saturday at the United Center.

During the Chicago Blackhawks’ home opener on Saturday against the Montreal Canadiens at United Center, the Blackhawks repeatedly targeted rookie forward Ivan Demidov with physicality.

In response, Montreal’s Kaiden Guhle caught Blackhawks forward Frank Nazar with a heavy hit of his own. Guhle was then immediately targeted for a fight by Chicago’s Louis Crevier.

Guhle admitted that his heavy hit was a direct response to Chicago’s physical play against the talented Russian rookie.

A little bit, yeah. 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. – Kaiden Guhle

The Blackhawks feel very strongly about Nazar, who Chicago just locked up to a lengthy contract extension worth more money than Wayne Gretzky made in his entire NHL career, considering the response from Crevier.

It’s also clear the Canadiens highly value Demidov, who they want to be a major part of their future.

Demidov, who arrived to the Canadiens late in the season last year, is starting his 1st full rookie season in the NHL and held his own against the physical play in the eyes of his teammates.

He definitely had a target on his back tonight. 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.

-Nick Suzuki

The Blackhawks still need their 1st win of the new year and will attempt for it tomorrow against the Utah Mammoth.