Andrei Markov Out Indefinitely: Who Will the Montreal Canadiens Turn To?

The Montreal Canadiens have announced that defensive leader Andrei Markov is out indefinitely with what they are calling “a lower body injury.” At this time there is no definitive report out there that sheds light on Markov’s injury—it’s the playoffs, good luck getting a straight answer!

While it is unclear as to whether or not Markov will make it back for the Canadiens series against the defending Stanley Cup Pittsburgh Penguins, given the severity of the hit he absorbed at the hands of Matt Cooke and the apparent damage that was incurred by Markov’s knee, one can expect that he may in fact be done for the series, if not the rest of the season.

There are not a lot of players that can bring to the table the skills that Markov can on a nightly basis. With that in mind, while there is nobody on the Canadiens roster that can replace him, there are players that can step up.

Marc-Andre Bergeron was signed by the Canadiens when Markov went down with an injury in game one of the season. Bergeron, who struggles defensively, can be called upon to replace some of the offense that Markov brings to the table, especially on the power play where Bergeron’s shot can be utilized.

Rookie defenseman and playoff call-up P.K. Subban has played well in his three games with the Canadiens—registering two assists and a plus one rating.

Subban’s ice time increased from 10:02 in his first game against the Washington Capitals to 19:40 in Game One of the Pittsburgh series. Given Markov’s injury he can expect better than 20 minutes a game going forward.

Subban is capable of playing the power play and has some nice offensive tools. In 77 games with the Canadiens AHL affiliate Hamilton Bulldogs Subban notched 18 goals and 35 assists giving him 53 points on the season.

His defensive game is not polished, but he does a decent job of rushing the puck and does have a physical element to his game, which should serve him well. If he can continue to play a poised game defensively he could be Montreal’s go-to guy for the remainder of the playoffs—a huge responsibility for a 20 year old kid who was just called up a few days ago.

In the end Subban and Beregeron are all Canadiens head coach Jacques Martin has to turn to. Jaroslav Spacek and Roman Hamrlik can also expect some more minutes, as will Hal Gill and Josh Gorges—both of who have played well in the playoffs.

Asking the Canadiens to defeat the Pittsburgh Penguins with all their horses was already a tough task, doing it without Markov will be next to impossible.

Until next time,

Peace!