Alex Ovechkin in game 1 shining, young Ivan Demidov cracking under pressure

An exhilarating Game 1 was played in the first round of the series between the Washington Capitals and Montreal Canadiens, and Alex Ovechkin demonstrated the ability to stake a claim at least for one moment in time on the ice. Ovechkin's brilliant performance, capped by an overtime goal, dashed the Montreal Canadiens' hopes of a comeback and constituted a defining moment of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The night was momentous for the newcomer Ivan Demidov, the latest Russian prospect, who faced his first test against the veteran Ovechkin, after previously making waves by stating his admiration for Evgeni Malkin over the likes of Ovechkin.

A night when youth was not served; 39-year-old Alex Ovechkin proved to the world that he is still the undisputed captain of the Washington Capitals. It was Ovechkin's leadership that kept the team in the fight, while the Washington Capitals beat Montreal 4-3 in overtime. His final score was two goals, one assist, and a flurry of big hits. His sudden-death overtime goal became the first in his storied playoff career. Young Ivan Demidov, 22 years of age and gaining recognition for his talent, was under intense scrutiny during his first playoff game. Even though he possessed tons of potential, Demidov was able to play for just 11:57 minutes on the ice.

Ovechkin sent out ripples through the hockey world reminding everyone the Great 8 is far from done. In the hours leading up to the game, Demidov made headlines when he commented that he would take Malkin over Ovechkin. Ovechkin likely took that to heart and found a few extra minutes to settle accounts with Demidov through physical play, gently reminding him of the pecking order.

The reality of being in the NHL's most prestigious tournament settled in for Demidov. The chances he got to showcase his talent were very few, and throughout the game, it was the presence of Ovechkin that took center stage. What happens with Demidov in the following games depends on how head coach Martin St. Louis views him. Nonetheless, one thing is certain: any success the rookie hopes to achieve in the league will demand stepping up against giants like Ovechkin.

The leadership and skill of Alex Ovechkin were put on full blast during Game 1, and in Game 2, the Capitals look to go on from strength to strength in the series. As for Ivan Demidov, this first playoff experience will only help him develop, but right now, legendary status is reserved completely for Ovechkin. Challenges are bound to come Demidov's way as the series progresses, and how he deals with them will, in some sense, define his life in the NHL.
Also Read: Alex Ovechkin, the Greatest Of All Time, sets the tone, and the Washington Capitals boys follow it
This brings us to the end, Alex Ovechkin reaffirmed himself as one of the few ever to play the game. A tough outing for Ivan Demidov, but definitely a worthwhile learning experience for the young Russian star.