Markov's reduction in critical play showed, as the Canadiens' defense suffered without its leading goal-scoring defenseman.
Markov has three years left on his contract that pays him $5.75 million for the next three years, and is hoping to have an impact on the blue line.
Talk about making an impact on the blue line—then you'd be talking about 6'4, 237 lbs Mike Komisarek, also known by some in the Montreal media as Komisarus Rex. After a few years of steady play, Komisarek's finally hitting his stride as a complete defender.
His 266 hits were only second to LA Kings' forward Dustin Brown's 311. Add in that he missed almost a quarter of the season, and you can see the impact that Komisarek's physical play had on the Canadiens success. Look for Komisarek to be more of a force in his upcoming contract season.
What Roman Hamrlik brings is consistency. Brought in to seemingly replace the former No. 44, Hamrlik's steady play earned him regular ice time and a general liking amongst Montreal Canadiens fans.
The former first-overall pick also contributed offensively with, five goals and 26 points, a far cry from his 38 last season in Calgary. Yet Hamrlik is more defensively sound than was Sheldon Souray—anyone remember Jason Spezza drop Souray's jock and then make Jose Theodore lose some more hair?
Francis Bouillon continues to play as the most underrated defenseman in the NHL. The feisty 5'8", 201-lb. defenseman doesn't quit, and never backs down. Despite low offensive numbers (two goals, six assists in 74 games), his determination and high energy make him a perfect fit in the fourth spot on the Canadiens blue line. Bouillon's hard hits and rub-outs make him a favorite amongst Habs fans.
Sometimes you can see Mathieu Dandenault—and sometimes you can't. After two seasons of playing both forward and defense, Dandenault seemed to be getting impatient with the Canadiens coaching staff about not getting enough playing time.
Yet Dandenault is entering his final season of his three-year contract and may be heading out of Montreal sooner than that. The Sherbrooke, Quebec native is one of a few Canadiens with a Stanley Cup ring—two, with the Detroit Red Wings.
Rounding out the defense is old-time player Patrice Brisebois. Brought back on a one-year contract, Brisebois got a rousing ovation from the Bell Centre faithful opening night. And this time around, Brisebois was not the No. 1 defenseman, taking all the pressure off and allowing him to play his game.
And he played a lot better than when he used to be booed off the ice by the Habs faithful. Despite only playing 43 games this season, Brisebois collected three goals and 11 points. He also climbed the Canadiens' all-time games played list, tying Jean-Guy Talbot for sixth on the list for defensemen with 791 games. Brisebois also sits sixth in points by a defensemen with 342. But will Brisebois be back?
Looking at the upcoming 2008-09 Montreal Canadiens blue line hopefully brings hope and excitement to Habs fans. A blend of offensive talent and hard-hitting checkers will make for a good game every game. And with up-and-coming defensemen such as David Fischer, PK Subban, and Ryan McDonagh, the Canadiens blue line will be stacked with good players for years to come.
Sources:
www.canadiens.com
www.hockeydb.com
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