This speaks more of the team's inability to draft, develop or acquire top end talent more than to Markov's level of play, in my humble opinion. Another proof of that was the God-like status many Habs' fans were giving to Alex Kovalev.
Markov has been a very good player for a while in Montreal. At his peak (3-4 years max), he was borderline elite, I'll give him that. I've always loved his vision on the ice and he was an excellent passer, especially on the PP. But since his injuries, he never could regain his old form and I'm personally very concerned that he may never will. I was shocked when Gauthier announced the 3 year deal, which I felt was too long for too much of a risk.
I know that saying that will be mistaken as "hate" towards Markov. I prefer calling it it "reality" or "taking the rose coloured glasses off".
Having said all of that, I'm genuinely hoping that he returns to the Habs in his old form as they will desperately need him to do so.
When playing he was a top 5 defenseman for 2 and a half seasons. At the time I was already reading this site and in the many many threads to list the top 5 defensemans in the league Markov name was rightfully listed there and not only by Habs fans. Also, I don't think your post is in the class of the Markov haters, so don't worry ! Thought, you need to consider than rich teams can afford having a Markov as a risk in their depth chart.
I don't care what some blind Hab fans write... imo Markov cannot for his life take a body check...he just doesn't know how to get ready for it. He's glass out there.
He also can't take skate cuts to tendons!
Waive him!!
Note - I've been here for some time and this is one of the worse threads I've seen. I wish there was actually something about Markov's play in Vityaz Chekhov (does anyone here watch the KHL?). He's our no1 or no2 defensemen after all, I'd like to know how he's doing. Other than the massively overblown minor injury of course...
a bad thread on hf boards ?no.this site is getting REALLY bad.seems like its mostly trolls on here.i cant remember the last time i actually witnessed a constructive thread.thats the internet for ya.95% garbage.
Perhaps he likes Montreal? Look at his teams' schedule - His team plays today, on October 31 and Nov 2. These three games he's supposed to miss. Then his team doesn't play until November 14.
So basically Markov has the opportunity to spend two weeks home in Montreal with quality doctors he's worked with for years. Why wouldn't he do it?
Even if Markov was perfectly healthy he'd likely go back to Montreal for these two weeks. Its not like he can't afford a Moscow-MTL flight and I'm pretty sure he doesn't mind flying.
Last edited by FlyingKostitsyn: 10-29-2012 at 12:23 PM.
Perhaps he likes Montreal? Look at his teams' schedule - His team plays today, on October 31 and Nov 2. These three games he's supposed to miss. Then his team doesn't play until November 14.
So basically Markov has the opportunity to spend two weeks home in Montreal with quality doctors he's worked with for years. Why wouldn't he do it?
Even if Markov was perfectly healthy he'd likely go back to Montreal for these two weeks. Its not like he can't afford a Moscow-MTL flight and I'm pretty sure he doesn't mind flying.
There's absolutely nothing that indicates he's on his way back.
Stubbs said Markov is returning to Montreal next week on twitter - because there's a break. After this current trip Vityaz is off until Nov 14.
This is pretty much training for Markov FFS, I love how it's the same people faulting him for going to Russia to begin with who are now condemning him for not playing through injuries.
Oct 28 Markov (ribs) will miss at least the next three KHL games, according to Genadi Boguslavski of Sovetsky Sport.
Recommendation: So much for being "winded" -- Markov has been injured too often in the last several years and has played just 20 games in the last two seasons because of knee injuries. Fingers crossed this isn't a Bobby Orr-like situation.
