Andrei Markov is Hurt

The biggest news around the NHL on opening night came out of Toronto where the Montreal Canadiens got some devastating news, which overshadowed their 4-3 overtime win against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Veteran blue liner Andrei Markov who is coming off a career best 64 points was being counted on to once again lead the team this year but those plans went out the window on Thursday in the third period. If there was one player outside of goalie Carey Price who Montreal could ill afford to lose it would be two time All- Star Markov who, at 30 years-old was just now coming into his own. In the mist of playing a solid game on opening night Markov and the Canadiens playoff hopes suffered a devastating blow when he tore his leg tendon after colliding into his own goalie. Montreal fans must have thought they were having a nightmare when it was announced right after the game that Markov had to undergo immediate surgery in Toronto that same night that would keep him out of action for three to four months. It’s now gut check time for Montreal who have an unimpressive 7-20 all time record without this blue liner. On the bright side Montreal announced that another veteran defenceman in Roman Hamrlik who missed some of training camp and the season opener with the flu is expected back on Saturday for a game in Buffalo against the Sabres. Taking Markov’s spot on the Canadiens roster will be Yannick Weber who was called up from the Hamilton Bulldogs of the American Hockey League.