Team 990 (Tony Marinero) just reported that Andrei Markov underwent surgery for tendon damage and that he is out until about Christmass
Honestly, with what we heard it could have been a lot worse. We get him back for the second half of the year when it could have been a season ending and career threatening injury such as Lang's. Hopefully the defence can hold the fort and Price can continue playing exteremly solid hockey. Carey Price seems like the type of goalie who would love that sort of challenge and can throw the team on his back if need be.
2-3 months isn't so bad... It sucks, but he'll be back somewhere between New Years and the Olympics.
He'll be here for the stretch drive, and miss the easier part of the season.
It's a chance for one of our young, offensive defenseman to carve out a niche in the NHL. This is how guys get promoted.
Weber gets the first crack, if he isn't good, Carle likely gets a shot. If that doesn't work, Subban.
We have three solid prospects who could all get a chance to establish themselves. One of the three will pull it off, I'm sure.
And it will make us stronger come playoffs if one of those three guys does take the ball and run with it. I'd rather see our second PP unit have Hamrlik paired with Weber/Carle/Subban than Mara/Gorges.
On a positive note, Spacek was the #1 dman for Buffalo for the last little bit... maybe he can step it up? Hammer will have to go back to 07-08 form, too. **** Toronto. So much.
Last year the Pens played most of the year without Gonchar and Whitney, and they won the cup.
We might struggle but it's only for 2-3 months and if we can stay at or above .500 for this period we'll be just fine.
Yes, but if you remember they were almost out of the playoff race by the time Gonchar came back. And you can't say there are any players on the roster the caliber of Malkin or Crosby to sustain an extended winning run if they get too far behind.
Yes, but if you remember they were almost out of the playoff race by the time Gonchar came back. And you can't say there are any players on the roster the caliber of Malkin or Crosby to sustain an extended winning run if they get too far behind.
Something similar happened with Ottawa...
Volchenkov and Spezza out early in the year. When they came back, they went on a roll to the finals.
I wouldn't label the year a total lost cause for the Habs just yet...
Like others have said...2-3 months isn't so bad...at least we'll get him back for the most important part of the season. Okay it sucks either way but I'm trying to stay positive. You can't replace Markov but at least we have a couple of other competent puck movers in Spacek and Hamrlik.
But this team seriously needs to invest in, like...tendon protectors.
Well, maybe not. They have Spacek this time around, who can drive a pairing, unlike say Komisarek. The Habs' defense is much weaker but it's still a credible unit.
2-3 months out and at least one month to get back to full speed. This will hurt.
Time to revise the predictions down. 8th is a good target now.
I know that some are doing their best to downplay the situation but let's face it, this is a devastating news for the Habs. Markov is not only the QB on the PP, he's our best two-way defenseman, our best puck moving defenseman by far.
Yes, I'm happy that we have Spacek but he's nowhere close to Markov in those aspects. Gainey must be exploring his options at this time.
