Andrei Markov Shines in his Return

Hollywood couldn’t have written a better script in regards to the dramatic return of Montreal Canadiens defenceman Andrei Markov. Despite missing 35 games due to a serious ankle injury suffered on opening night this 31 year-old looked to be in mid season form in his return last Saturday night against the New York Islanders. Showing true dedication to his team Markov came back two months ahead of schedule and made the difference with two power play goals in what was a 3-0 win. “He’s an all-star defenceman that has great vision and moves the puck well,” Montreal Coach Jacques Martin said. “It’s nice to get a top player back. Those guys are hard to replace. His execution was really outstanding.” Besides for Markov another player who starred against the Islanders was backup goalie Jaroslav Halak who made 40 saves for his struggling club who were in the midst of an ugly five game losing streak. Meanwhile the Islanders who got off to a great start this year have now lost six of their past eight games. “I wasn’t giving up many rebounds tonight,” Halak said. “We were great on the penalty killing blocking the shots. That helped a lot.” Setting the tone early Halak stopped 14 first period shots including a breakaway from Isles speedster Richard Park. In net for the Islanders was veteran Martin Biron who now hasn’t won a game since November 13 against the Carolina Hurricanes. ”I appreciate what all the guys are doing but in the end it’s more important than getting a win for me,” Biron said. “It’s about getting wins for the team and going in the right direction. It isn’t coming easy right now..”