Could Josh Anderson Work Well On a LIne With Ivan Demidov?

Demidov’s first preseason game, he got pushed around by some of the Penguins’ fringe NHL players, such as Robby Fabbri. Demidov’s linemates, Patrik Laine and Oliver Kapanen, don’t play with the grit to be able to help hold off the guys who were trying to hit the young Russian. However, one player who stuck up for Demidov when Robby Fabbri hit him high was Josh Anderson. Sure, Anderson took a roughing penalty, but he sent a message to Fabbri that if he does that again, he’ll have to deal with the big, imposing forward afterwards. This will only allow Demidov to get more space.

Having a guy like Anderson from time to time next to Demidov could be a good plan to help build confidence in the youngster to play his game and not worry as much about getting constantly targeted. As a result, this could allow Demidov to play better hockey as a whole, even if Anderson isn’t the best fit for him stylistically. The two wingers could be paired together in times when Demidov needs a confidence boost, which can be given by keeping the opposing checkers away from him.

McGuire stated that there will be a tough adjustment to the physicality for Demidov, and by having Anderson by his side, it may help him feel bigger on the ice, allowing him to move around more freely. 

Monday night’s game truly showed us that Demidov really is uber-skilled and will likely be a superstar one day, but at the same time, he will have some struggles with the physicality early on. As big as Laine and Kirby Dach are, they aren’t likely to have the physicality to protect Demidov. For Dach, maybe eventually, if he can finally stay healthy, he could be a physical presence, but that is a big if when it comes to Dach. Even if he does stay healthy, he doesn’t bring the imposing reputation that Anderson has had during his career. 

Now, in this situation that Marinaro and McGuire are bringing up Anderson alongside Demidov all the time as he wouldn’t be a good fit in the long-term anymore with the Habs top 6 but to get a few shifts once in awhile could do wonders for Demidov’s confidence in his rookie season, especially early on when he will need to get more used to getting hit hard. It’s clear that Demidov when he has the space and has no fear of getting hit, he can do magic things with the puck. It will take time but we’ll see more of those types of magical plays once he is used to the NHL physicality.

The overall skill difference between the Rookie Showcase and the preseason came as a shock to Demidov’s system, and the reality is, I believe he will figure it out with or without the protection from a guy like Anderson. Now, playing against players closer to his skill level, Demidov had a tough time in his first preseason game, but we should expect him to get better each game as he gets more experience against this physical play.

During last year’s playoffs, he seemed to get better each game, and we should expect the same for him yet again until dealing with physicality comes more naturally to him. Therefore, maybe having a physical presence beside him at times will help him a lot.

What are your thoughts on Anderson going up to play with Demidov from time to time to help shelter the physicality away from him?