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Andrei Markov News & Rumors

Canadiens: Andrei Markov back with a bang
March 12
Montreal Gazette
 
"I'm guessing a lot of good folks finally had something to cheer about on Sunday when they awoke to the news their Canadiens had handled the Vancouver Canucks 4-1 in the 69th game of what has been little better than a pathetic season. Why not, eh? It came at the expense of a slumping team, but so what? It's true the two points weren't enough to lift this under-achieving team out of the Eastern Conference cellar with only 13 games remaining in the regular season. However, teams play to win, and this one came without the services of points leader David Desharnais, who watched from the seats with an upper-body injury. Blake Geoffrion scored his first goal in more than a year. Carey Price was"
How does Andrei Markov feel? "I'm, like ... happy, you know?"
March 11
Montreal Gazette
 
"Andrei Markov's knee survived his first game in 17 months – as did his sense of humour. In the moments after the Canadiens' 4-1 conquest of the hometown Canucks, Markov was swarmed in the Canadiens' room and faced the inevitable question: "How's your knee?" "Still there," Markov deadpanned. You just know he'd been saving that line for 483 days. It was an auspicious return. Markov played 17 minutes, picked up an assist on P.K. Subban's power-play goal, inspired his teammates and put an exclamation mark on the end of the Canadiens' three-game western road trip. "It was awesome, Markov said. "We just beat one of the strongest teams in the league. I'm, like ... happy, you know?""
Desharnais out, but Markov could return for Habs
March 10
NHL.com
 
"Montreal's miserable season will continued without injured top-line center David Desharnais on Saturday night in Vancouver, but the Canadiens could get their top defenseman, Andrei Markov, back for the first time all season. Markov, who has only played seven games in the last two seasons as he tries to come back from two major knee surgeries and another arthroscopic procedure, was activated from the injured-reserve list Saturday morning and could play against the Canucks, according to coach Randy Cunneyworth. "He's activated and available to us and should everything go as planned he will be in our lineup," said Cunneyworth, adding the decision will be made after pre-game warm up, which"
Montreal Canadiens' Andrei Markov cleared for contact in practice
March 6
Montreal Gazette
 
"A buzz ran through the media gallery at the Canadiens practice facility in Brossard Monday when defenceman Andrei Markov stepped on the ice wearing a white jersey. It was a signal that Markov has been cleared for contact and is one step closer to playing although he will not be in the lineup when the Canadiens open a four-game road trip in Calgary (9 p.m., TSN-HABS, RDS, TSN Radio 990). "You never know, I'm just happy to practice with the team with full contact," Markov said when asked when he thought he would play his first game since Nov. 13, 2010. "Right now, I'll take it step by step, one day at a time. "I didn't play for a long time and I want to go out there and have fun. I miss the"
Canadiens' Markov Takes Part In Practice With Contact
March 5
TSN.ca
 
"The Montreal Canadiens moved a step closer to welcoming back a key veteran member of their blue line on Monday. Injured defencemen Andrei Markov participated in practice in a contact capacity and took regular rushes alongside fellow defenceman Alexei Emelin. It was Markov's first contact at practice since November, when Markov's knee swelled significantly and he was soon shut down. He had an arthroscopic procedure on his right knee in December. "It's a big difference if you practice with the team or by yourself," Markov said after his first practice with contact. "You have to adjust to the speed of the guys. I need a little bit of time to adjust to that and I think everything is going"
Might be best to wait until next season for Andrei Markov
February 2
Montreal Gazette
 
"Random thoughts while wondering whether Andrei Markov will return to the lineup before the Canadiens are mathematically eliminated from playoff contention: Markov skated by himself Tuesday and Canadiens head coach Randy Cunneyworth described his 15-minute sojourn onto the ice in Brossard as "progress." That progress continued on Wednesday when Markov skated for 20 minutes. But the reality is that the Canadiens can't count on Markov returning this season and, if the team isn't still in contention when he's ready, it may be better for all concerned to delay his return until next season."
Markov's return delayed, minor knee surgery needed
December 4
NHL.com
 
"Montreal defenseman Andrei Markov will undergo a minor surgery on his knee and will miss about three weeks, Canadiens general manager Pierre Gauthier said Saturday before a game against Los Angeles. "Markov's knee is almost at full strength," Gauthier said. "He's undergoing arthroscopic surgery to clean up debris.""
Markov won't be back this month
November 19
TSN.ca
 
"The Andrei Markov watch has been prolonged until at least December, as Montreal Canadiens head coach Jacques Martin told reporters on Friday that the injured defenceman will not be back in the lineup before their California road trip at the end of the month. Markov was back skating with his teammates this week wearing a non-contact jersey. He has not played since he tore his anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments nearly a year ago in a game against the Carolina Hurricanes. He had played only seven games since returning from similar surgery on the same knee."
Canadiens' Markov back on the ice
November 15
Montreal Gazette
 
"There were a couple of pleasant surprises at the Canadiens' morning skate on Monday. For starters, Andrei Markov joined his teammates for the first time since he suffered a knee injury more than a year ago. Markov not only went through a full workout, but he also stayed on the ice after the skate. While Markov making his return, Chris Campoli was on the other sheet of ice at the Bell Sports Complex in Brossard and went through a series of exercises under the watchful eye of strength coach Pierre Allard. Campoli hasn't been on the ice since he suffered a leg injury in the season opener. Head coach Jacques Martin said it was too early to tell when either of the defencemen will be able to"
Martin: Markov rehabbing but will not play in October
October 18
TSN.ca
 
"Montreal Canadiens head coach Jacques Martin says that the chance of Andrei Markov playing in October is, "out of the question" while the defenceman continues to rehab from knee surgery. Martin told reporters on Tuesday that Markov's rehab is, "on schedule" and will continue under the supervision of Dr. James Andrews, who Markov saw on Monday in Florida. Markov will be seen by Dr. Andrews again by the end of the week. Markov was unable to start the regular season while he continued to recover from ACL surgery on his right knee."
Andrei Markov's health main concern as training camp opens
September 16
Montreal Gazette
 
"The health of defenceman Andrei Markov is the No. 1 concern as the Canadiens gather at their training facility in Brossard Friday for the start of their main training camp. Physicals and fitness testing are on the schedule for Day One and a setback in his rehabilitation from knee surgery will limit Markov's participation when the players hit the ice Saturday. Markov, who underwent his second major ACL reconstruction on his right knee in December, skated on his own in Brossard Thursday and it was obvious that he's far from 100 per cent."
Markov signing answers questions about Canadiens' defence
June 25
Montreal Gazette
 
"The National Hockey League draft is about building for the future, but the 24 hours leading up to the first selection were all about teams living in the present. The Canadiens did their bit in grabbing headlines away from the draft as they announced that Andrei Markov has signed a three-year contract. Markov will be making $5.75 million a season, which is what he was making in his last contract. The argument could be made that, in the same spirit displayed by former captain Saku Koivu, he took a discount because (a) he wants to stay in Montreal and (b) he realizes that the Canadiens didn't get much value from him during the past two seasons when injuries limited his participation to 52"
Habs sign Markov for three years
June 24
Montreal Gazette
 
"Ninety minutes after general manager Pierre Gauthier said there was no urgency in signing defenceman Andrei Markov, the Canadiens announced Thursday night that the 32-year-old has signed a three-year contract worth $17.25 million. The $5.75 million cap hit represents Markov's salary in his last contract. The length of the contract was a bit of a surprise because there are question marks surrounding Markov's health. He has played only 52 games over the past two seasons and is coming off his second major knee reconstruction. The signing gives the Canadiens 16 players under contract with a commitment of nearly $48.5 million. The salary cap for the coming season was announced Thursday and will"
Canadiens re-sign Markov to three-year, $17.25 Million Contract
June 23
TSN.ca
 
"The Montreal Canadiens have re-signed defenceman Andrei Markov to a three-year, $17.25 contract. Markov was set to become a free agent on July 1, but the deal will keep the 32-year-old in Montreal long-term. The deal is worth $5.75 million per year."
Report says Canadiens, Andrei Markov close to two-year deal
June 22
Montreal Gazette
 
"According to Tony Marinaro of the Team 990, the Canadiens will soon re-sign all-star defenceman Andrei Markov for two season. The deal is reportedly valued at $11.5 million. The Russian blue-liner has missed most of the last two seasons with various injuries, playing only 52 games."
Report: Canadiens, Markov to talk contract
May 5
Montreal Gazette
 
"A published report says that the Canadiens and star defenceman Andrei Markov will start contract negotiations in the coming weeks. Markov's agent, Don Meehan, told Canadian Press in an email that he will meet with Canadiens general manager Pierre Gauthier at the end of May to try and hammer out a new contract. The 32-year-old Russian made $5.75 million this past season, while playing in only seven games because of his second serious knee injury in less than a year."
Markov's agent steers clear of contract rumour
March 26
Montreal Gazette
 
"Put Canadiens defenceman Andrei Markov back on practice ice, thus back in the news, stir in an unsubstantiated contract report and bingo! A world scoop because you're told it is. Don Meehan, Markov's agent, wouldn't go within a country mile of a report circulating Friday that said the Canadiens had offered, and had rejected, a one-year, $5.75-million contract to the two-time all-star who is eligible for unrestricted free agency on July 1. "All I can tell you is that (Canadiens general manager) Pierre Gauthier and I have agreed to deal with (Markov's) status at the end of the year and not now," Meehan said late in the afternoon from Edmonton."
Andrei Markov wants to stay a Canadien after contract expires
January 16
Montreal Gazette
 
"The Canadiens' dressing room in Brossard's Bell Sports Complex suggests that he hasn't been away – his equipment is in place, hooked, hung and shelved above and below the white-on-blue logo'd nameplate that reads "A. Markov 79." That's the way the Canadiens do things at their practice facility when one of their players is out of action, short- or long-term: he remains very much part of the club, with pads and pants and gloves awaiting his return. Yesterday, Andrei Markov stood in front of his lonely gear, 37 days after having undergone season-ending knee surgery, and admitted he won't be the same player upon his return to hockey next fall. "Of course I'm not going to be the same. I'm going"
Markov's injury forces Gauthier into a tough spot
December 6
Montreal Gazette
 
"It is time for a hard look at Andrei Markov's future now that he's lost for the season to the Canadiens. What does it hold for the team's best defenceman facing major surgery for the second time in roughly seven months? General manager Pierre Gauthier delivered the company line when he announced the team's worst-kept secret on Friday. "We are very confident that Andrei will be able to fully recover from this injury," the GM was quoted in a statement. We're not talking about a groin injury or a strained knee here. The surgery Markov is to undergo in Alabama on Wednesday involves repairing a meniscus and reconstructing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his knee. What that means is the"
Knee surgery to end Markov's season
December 4
Montreal Gazette
 
"For the second time in just over seven months, Andrei Markov will be on operating table next Wednesday. This time, the all-star defenceman will face a surgeon's scalpel in Birmingham, Ala., for the second major repair of his right knee since early last May. The Canadiens announced late yesterday afternoon that Markov will be operated on by James Andrews, a surgeon famous for his work in the repair of damaged ligaments. It is expected the 31-year-old Russian will miss the remainer of the season, though the team didn't confirm that in its release, for the repair of meniscus and reconstruction, again, of his anterior cruciate ligament. "We are very confident that Andrei will be able to fully"
Canadiens' Markov To Undergo Surgery, Out For The Season
December 3
TSN.ca
 
"Montreal Canadiens defenceman Andrei Markov will undergo knee surgury and miss the remainder of the season. In a team release, the Canadiens said that Markov will undergo surgury to repair meniscus and reconstruct his ACL next Wednesday. The news puts an end to speculation over the severity of Markov's injury."
More tests needed to determine severity of Markov injury
November 25
TSN.ca
 
"The waiting game continues for the Montreal Canadiens and defenceman Andrei Markov. On Tuesday, the veteran blueliner visited with renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Anthony Miniaci at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio in an attempt to determine the full extent of a knee injury suffered in a November 13th victory over the Carolina Hurricanes. Unfortunately for both the Canadiens and Markov, the Russian defenceman will require even further assessment before it can be determined how much time he will miss or the severity of the injury."
Canadiens' Markov out indefinitely
November 17
NHL.com
 
"The Montreal Canadiens announced Monday that star defenseman Andrei Markov will be out for a "prolonged" and "indefinite" period with a right knee injury. Markov hurt the knee Saturday night against the Carolina Hurricanes when he got tied up with Eric Staal going after a loose puck behind the Montreal net with 5:10 to play and the score 5-2 Canadiens. He crumpled to the ice in the corner, threw his glove in the air and punched the boards in frustration as he writhed in pain. It was a near mirror image of his reaction in the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs, when he tore the ACL in his right knee in Game 1 of the second round against the Pittsburgh Penguins."
Report: Markov needs surgery on right knee
November 16
Sportsnet.ca
 
"Montreal Canadiens defenceman Andrei Markov will require surgery as a result of a knee injury sustained Saturday and is expected to miss an extended amount of time, according to a Team 990 report. Sources told Tony Marinaro, host of the Montreal Forum radio program, that Markov tore the ACL on his right knee, the same one that he hurt in April -- an injury that required six months' recovery. The report said Markov has a partial tear to the ACL graft as well as associated bone contusions and a large radial tear to the lateral meniscus."
Canadiens prepare for life without Markov in lineup
November 16
Montreal Gazette
 
"The Canadiens are once again gearing up for life without defenceman Andrei Markov. Markov won't be in the lineup when the Philadelphia Flyers visit the Bell Centre Tuesday night (7 p.m., RDS, CJAD Radio-800). In fact, it's very likely that Markov's return to action may be on the Canadiens' Christmas wish list. Officially, the only news Monday was that Markov suffered a lower-body injury when he collided with Carolina's Eric Staal Saturday night and that his status would be clearer after he underwent further testing. While a proper diagnosis isn't possible because Markov's right knee is still swollen, the concern over the injury is reflected in the fact that Markov's care has been entrusted"
Habs' Markov could be out 3 months
November 15
Montreal Gazette
 
"While it will be several days before doctors can make a complete diagnosis, there are unconfirmed reports that Montreal Canadiens' defenceman Andrei Markov could be out of the lineup for as long as three months. Markov suffered an injury to his surgically repaired right knee Saturday night when he had a knee-to-knee collision with the Carolina Hurricanes' Eric Staal as they chased a puck into the corner. Markov's knee hit the board, but it appeared any damage had been done before then. He threw his gloves off immediately after the contact and punched the boards and he lay writing on the ice. Two teammates assisted him off the ice and he wasn't putting any weight on his leg. It's the third"
Scary Markov injury just 'life in the NHL': Habs' Darche
November 14
Montreal Gazette
 
"A hush fell over the Bell Centre with 5:10 remaining in the Montreal Canadiens' 7-2 win over the Carolina Hurricanes Saturday night. Everyone held their breath as defenceman Andrei Markov lay writhing on the ice after a knee-to-knee collision with Carolina's Eric Staal. "You could hear the Bell Centre quiet down until Carey (Price) made that unbelievable save, but we don't know what's happening," said Mathieu Darche, who was one of seven Canadiens to score a goal Saturday night. "We're hoping he's okay because he's a key to our team. "But that's life in the NHL," added Darche. "Hopefully, he can play next game but, if not, we have guys who are ready to step in." The chances of Markov"
Canadiens' Markov injured in bittersweet blowout
November 14
Montreal Gazette
 
"An injury to defenceman Andrei Markov put a damper on the Canadiens' 7-2 win over the Carolina Hurricanes Saturday night. Markov wasn't putting any weight on his surgically repaired right knee as he was helped from the ice with a little more than five minutes remaining in the third period. Markov and Eric Staal had knee-to-knee contact as they raced for a puck in the corner. Markov went down and his knee hit the end boards, but it appeared the damage was done before that because he threw his gloves as he went down. The Canadiens blew this one open when they exploded for three goals in a 3:36 span late in the second period to grab a 5-2 lead. Brian Gionta, who has come to life since he"
Return just another step for Markov
November 1
Montreal Gazette
 
"The question was put to Canadiens defenceman Andrei Markov Saturday morning: How much was he looking forward to his return to action in just a few hours, his first game in six months to the night? "Of course, I'm exciting," Markov said, the delicious misspeak in no way disguising the sentiment of his reply. Excited, too. Markov was both against the Florida Panthers on Saturday, a 3-1 Canadiens loss that wrapped up a grinding six-night stretch of four games, three of them victories. Most of the pregame buzz was about the return of the two-time all-star whom we'd last seen for real on April 30 in Game 1 of the Canadiens' Eastern Conference semifinal against the Penguins in Pittsburgh. Markov"
Markov returns but left off Canadiens' 5-on-3 power play
October 31
Montreal Gazette
 
"It would be easy to say the Canadiens ran into a wall and fatigue caught up to them as they played their fourth game in six nights. But it was a human wall that brought the Canadiens' four-game winning streak to a halt as Tomas Vokoun made 40 saves to lead the Florida Panthers to a 3-1 victory at the Bell Centre Saturday night. "It's too early to talk about being tired," said Tomas Plekanec. "I thought we had some chances to score, but we were just a little off on some of our passes and Vokoun was very good." The game marked the first appearance of defenceman Andrei Markov since he suffered a knee injury against the Philadelphia Flyers in the second round of the playoffs. "The first period"
Habs' Markov to return this weekend
October 26
Montreal Gazette
 
"When the Canadiens play the Phoenix Coyotes tonight, they'll have the same lineup which blanked the Ottawa Senators 3-0 Saturday night. But head coach Jacques Martin expects to make an important lineup change this weekend when defenceman Andrei Markov receives clearance to play. Martin said Markov has been cleared for contact and has been a regular part of the team's practices for the past week. He said all that remains is a final clearance from the team doctors. Martin said fitness shouldn't be a concern for Markov, who has been recovering from offseason knee surgery."
Canadiens' Markov not ready to return
October 20
NHL.com
 
"The Montreal Canadiens will have to wait a while longer to get their top defenseman back in the lineup. Andrei Markov, who hasn't played since tearing a knee ligament against Pittsburgh during the second round of the playoffs last May, has been practicing with the team for a couple of weeks. But coach Jacques Martin said Tuesday that Markov won't play Thursday when the Canadiens host New Jersey or in Saturday's road game at Ottawa. "I obviously want to be able to help the team when I come back, and so I won't until I'm 100 percent ready," Markov told the Canadiens' website after Tuesday's practice."
Markov still not ready to return
October 19
Sportsnet.ca
 
"Montreal Canadiens' defenceman Andrei Markov told reporters on Tuesday he is not ready to return to the line-up. The Russian blueliner was hoping to resume play on Thursday against the New Jersey Devils but says he doesn't feel strong enough. Markov underwent reconstructive knee surgery to repair a torn ACL in his right knee during the off-season. No timetable has been set for his return."
Markov, Hamrlik rejoin mates
October 6
Montreal Gazette
 
"It was a good-news day at the Canadiens' training camp, if you consider having high-scoring forward Michael Cammalleri suspended for Thursday's National Hockey League regular-season opener in Toronto good news. It's good news because it's only one game. While the Canadiens withheld comment on the suspension until today, the organization knows the penalty could have been harsher. The announcement of the suspension overshadowed the other good news of the day, which involved defencemen Roman Hamrlik and Andrei Markov. They practised with their teammates for the first time in this year's camp. Cammalleri was suspended for an uncharacteristic two-handed slash to the back of the legs of New York"
Andrei Markov a proud Canadian, too
October 4
Montreal Gazette
 
"Hockey is back in Montreal -not that it's ever been away. The Canadiens begin their 2010-11 season in Toronto on Thursday and then go to Pittsburgh on Saturday. That follows the wrap of a 20-day training camp on Wednesday after a team-bonding exercise in Quebec's Charlevoix region. Their Bell Centre opener is Oct. 13 against Tampa Bay. The National Hockey League's 82-game marathon begins with high expectations, the Canadiens having gone three rounds and 19 games into the playoffs last season. Last Thursday, Brian Gionta was named the 28th captain in team history. With his leadership, a core group of veterans is now expected to carry the load. Among that group is two-time all-star Andrei"
Markov on the mend
September 18
Montreal Gazette
 
"Canadiens defence-man Andrei Markov hasn't been working in rehabilitation seven days a week to rebuild his surgically repaired right knee. But that's for good reason. "I'm a Canadian now," he said yesterday through a sly grin. "I'm working five days." A torn anterior cruciate ligament has done nothing to scar Markov's wicked sense of humour. The 31-year-old Russian all-star was not among the Canadiens regulars, farmhands and prospects who endured muscle-searing, lung-sapping fitness tests yesterday at the team's Brossard practice facility. But he was in the gym, the too-familiar place he's been all summer long, working diligently to get back into action. Markov's season ended April 30 in"
Citizen Markov on defence
July 18
Montreal Gazette
 
"Don Cherry should be happy to learn there will be more Canadians playing hockey in Montreal next season. Veteran defenceman Andrei Markov became a Canadian citizen yesterday morning. While he was one of 32 new Canadians sworn in at a ceremony in Montreal, there was no doubt the 31-year-old Russian native was the star attraction. Citizenship Judge Gilles Duguay introduced Markov at the start of the ceremony and his remarks during the next 45 minutes were peppered with hockey references. Canadiens president Pierre Boivin and general manager Pierre Gauthier were introduced as "special guests," and Gauthier was asked to make some remarks. The GM praised Markov's ability and leadership,"
Habs' Markov has surgery, out six months
May 20
Montreal Gazette
 
"The Montreal Canadiens aren't going to get any help on the ice from Andrei Markov in their quest to rebound after dropping the first two games of the Eastern Conference final to the Philadelphia Flyers. Markov had surgery Wednesday to repair the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and will be out of the lineup for six months. The defenceman was hurt in the first game of the second round series against the Pittsburgh Penguins on April 30."
Habs' Markov out for Flyers series: report
May 17
Montreal Gazette
 
"Montreal Canadiens defenceman Andrei Markov will not be available to the team this playoff round, his injured right knee not having recovered sufficiently to return, according to a Sportsnet report. Markov did not skate Sunday morning, nor did he practise Saturday after he was in obvious discomfort during the team's Friday practice in Brossard. He suffered the injury during Game 1 against the Pittsburgh Penguins on April 30."
Markov game-time decision for Habs
May 12
ESPN.com
 
"Montreal Canadiens defensemen Andrei Markov and Hal Gill skated in full gear Wednesday morning, but it appears Gill is the more likely of the two to appear in the lineup for Game 7 in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Penguins. Neither player was available for comment after the skate; both will be game-time decisions. "At this time in a series, those decisions are made at game-time," Canadiens coach Jacques Martin said. "We hope to have some people back. We'll have to wait and see after the warm-up." Martin previously has described Markov, who suffered a knee injury in Game 1, as out "indefinitely." He offered no more insight Wednesday morning. "He skated"
Togetherness: Markov joins team in Pittsburgh
May 8
Montreal Gazette
 
"Togetherness has been a major theme as the Canadiens prepare for Game 5 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series tonight against the Pittsburgh Penguins (7 p.m., CBC, RDS, CJAD Radio-800). "There were a lot of (negative) things said about us early on in the year, but it never affected us," centre Scott Gomez said. "We knew once we got healthy we'd be good. We just stuck together and we've had a good time doing it. It's a great room." That sense of togetherness may seem a bit surprising when you consider the turnover in the Canadiens' roster. There are a dozen players on the team who weren't with the Canadiens last season. "I think everyone's making it sound like we got to the playoffs"
Markov has torn ACL; out indefinitely
May 6
TSN.ca
 
"Montreal Canadiens defenceman Andrei Markov, who left Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinal after being hit by Pittsburgh Penguins forward Matt Cooke, has been diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Markov, who is out of the Habs' lineup indefinitely, has not officially been ruled out of the series or playoffs by the Canadiens."
Markov's injury hampers Canadiens
May 2
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"The Penguins aren't the only team dealing with a possibly devastating injury. Andrei Markov, widely considered Montreal's finest defenseman, did not return to Game 1 following a clean hit from Matt Cooke and appears unlikely to play again in this series. The veteran defenseman returned to Montreal on Saturday to receive additional medical attention. "It's tough to replace any guy who plays those minutes and who is a big part of your team," Penguins captain Sidney Crosby said. The Penguins are dealing with the loss of center Jordan Staal, and it's difficult to gauge which injury could have a bigger effect on this series. Markov's value to the Canadiens' blue line can't be diminished. While"
Markov won't play in Game 2
May 2
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"The Penguins got the better of Montreal in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series Friday night, 6-3. Saturday, things were more even as both teams dealt with the aftermath of an injury to a top player. While the Penguins were somewhat forthcoming about the status of center Jordan Staal, who had surgery to repair a tendon in his right foot, the Canadiens were fairly tight-lipped about top defenseman Andrei Markov. Coach Jacques Martin declined to give specifics about Markov, except to confirm that he flew to Montreal Friday night for medical evaluation, will miss Game 2 today and is out "indefinitely." He discounted reports that Markov had surgery. It appeared Markov's right knee was"
Markov's injury will hurt Habs
May 1
Montreal Gazette
 
"The Canadiens' chances of pulling off another upset in this year's Stanley Cup playoffs may have ended 11:35 into the first period of last night's game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Defenceman Andrei Markov, one of the Canadiens' leaders on and off the ice, was hit by the Penguins' Matt Cooke a second after he passed the puck out of the Canadiens' zone. He appeared to twist his right knee as he fell awkwardly to the ice and one of his gloves flew into the air. While a battle broke out at centre ice as the Canadiens attempted to get at Cooke, Markov lay on the ice and was in obvious distress. Athletic therapist Graham Rynbend ran out to minister to the star defenceman and Montreal's"
Markov's injury hurts bad
May 1
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"With a nod to T.S. Eliot, this was the cruelest truth of the last day of April: Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov lay writhing in pain on the Mellon Arena ice midway through the first period of the game Friday night, and the advertisement behind him on the boards into which he had just been plowed was for an American health insurance company. Seven months less a day earlier, Markov had hobbled off Air Canada Centre ice in Toronto, dragging a left foot whose tendon had been slashed in a goalmouth scramble by the skate of netminder Carey Price. The Canadiens had time to deal with the absence of their All-Star defenseman. From October through December, plenty of time -- Markov missed 35"
Defenceman Andrei Markov injured after check by Matt Cooke
May 1
Montreal Gazette
 (scroll down)
"The Penguins spent most of their morning skate working on the power play and the extra work paid off last night as they beat the Canadiens, 6-3, in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal. The Penguins scored on their first four power plays against a Montreal penalty-killing unit that held the high-powered Washington Capitals to one goal on 33 opportunities in the first round of the playoffs. Pittsburgh coach Dan Bylsma said the game plan was for the Penguins to be patient and wait for the right shot rather than blast away. His players followed his directions to the letter as each of their first three power-play goals was scored on their first shot on goal. They needed two shots on"
Disputing a rift in the team, Canadiens get cuddly at practice
January 29
Montreal Gazette
 
"It happened near the end of yesterday's Canadiens practice in Brossard, a spirited session that featured plenty of breakout passing, odd-man rushes, fast skating and, finally, physical, tight-quarters scrimmaging on a 25-foot-rink improvised along the curve of the boards: Goaltender Carey Price wrapped his arms around defenceman Andrei Markov's shoulders and gave him a great, big hug, then looked up to the press box with a huge grin on his face. You could see Markov blushing one floor below, looking a little - no, a lot - like the kid at Christmas whose over-refreshed aunt has just made a sloppy, much-too-obvious show of her affection. Nothing cures what ails you in this world like a hug,"
Canadians' Markov calls out Carey Price after team loses to Blues
January 28
TSN.ca
 
"Things may not be well in the Montreal Canadiens' dressing room with a report that Andrei Markov and Carey Price had words following their 4-3 overtime loss to the St. Louis Blues last Wednesday. According to the TEAM 990 radio in Montreal, Markov approached the goaltender after the 4-3 loss in overtime and told him "If you are not going to play with heart, stay home. We don't need you here.""