The New Jersey Devils defeated the Montreal Canadiens 4–3 in a shootout last night, but for one player, it was more than just another game – it was a mini-reunion and a taste of home.
Devils rookie Arseny Gritsyuk was reunited with his friend Ivan Demidov before the matchup. The two played together last season with SKA St. Petersburg in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), before Demidov made the jump to the NHL to join the Canadiens.
Gritsyuk told NHL.com that when he traveled from Russia to New Jersey this offseason, he stopped in Montreal to visit his old teammate.
“He told me you need to always be stronger — like always, always be ready for the hit,†Gritsyuk said of the advice Demidov shared with him to NHL.com.
The two have stayed in touch as Demidov adjusted to his first NHL season and Gritsyuk prepared for his own North American debut.
“I talked to him after Montreal lost in the playoffs,†Gritsyuk said to NHL.com. “I called him for a lot of details. He said itâ€s always a challenging game — every game. Thereâ€s always pressure, not much time. And the micro-battles are so important. When you go back for the puck — body check, body check, body check.â€
Ahead of the game, Gritsyuk posted on his Telegram channel, Gritâ€s Diary, that he had invited Demidov over for dinner.
He shared a photo of the two with the caption:
Gritsyukâ€s Telegram – @arsenigritsyuk81
“It was my turn to receive guests — for example, today Vanya Demidov stopped by 🤠We had a delicious meal, chatted, and just had a great time. 😇 See you on the ice, brother ðŸ¤â€
Gritsyuk has mentioned having dinners with several familiar Russian faces during his first 14 NHL games and was happy to return the favor by hosting Demidov ahead of their matchup in Newark.
In the game, Demidov logged 10:27 of ice time, finishing with no points and two penalty minutes, while Gritsyuk played 15:29 and recorded two shots on goal.
As Gritsyuk navigates his rookie season and Demidov continues his sophomore campaign, the two continue to lean on each other for advice, familiarity, and friendship, both on and off the ice.
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