Breaking: Markov to return vs. Islanders on Saturday

| Dec 18, 2009 | Comments 2

 

It truly is a time for rejoicing for Habs fans, despite recent struggles on the ice for their favorite team.

Despite the uncertain status of his injury, it looks as if Andrei Markov will be returning to action tomorrow night as the Habs visit the New York Islanders. RDS broke the story only a little while ago. This news comes only days after Pat Hickey broke the news that Markov could return this week. RDS has essentially confirmed Pat Hickey’s story. (English story here)

Markov met with team doctors last night, and it looks as if they gave him the go ahead for tomorrow’s game, far ahead of the original return timetable, which was February at the earlier. Markov proved to be resilient in his rehabilitation, showing incredible desire to heal and return to action. He should be a big help for the struggling habs, who look to break a 5 game losing streak, the latest loss coming at the hands of the Minnesota Wild last night at the Bell Centre.

It will not only be a Christmas present for the Habs, but a birthday present for Markov, who turns 31 tomorrow.

In other injury news:

- Brian Gionta skated alone today with the Canadiens conditioning coach, and he will accompany the team on their road trip. No word on when he will return, but it should be soon.

- No word on Roman Hamrlik, but he’s doubtful for tomorrow’s game.

- Yannick Weber, who was recalled to replace Hamrlik in last night’t game, but didn’t see any action due to the returning Paul Mara, was sent back down to Hamilton today. Also along for the trip was Tom Pyatt, who failed to accumulate any points in 19 games. He was a -9, but played better than his statistics showed.

- Marc-Andre Bergeron, who leads all Habs defensemen in points, will dress on the 4th line for tomorrow’s game, and will presumably receive heavy amounts of powerplay time on the point.

More tomorrow before the game,

Prax
www.thecheckingline.com
www.twitter.com/thecheckingline

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About the Author: George Prax, born and raised in Montreal, offers a unique point of view when it comes to blogging. A devout Montrealer, Quebequois and Canadian, Prax is and always be a die hard Habs fan, one who feels it necessary to offer his view on the Canadiens, the NHL, and hockey happenings in general. Expect many articles on the Canadiens, some from the point of view of a fan, some from the point of view of a blogger and some more distant, but expect them often, and expect them full of passion. Prax, who has somewhat of an infamous reputation around the online hockey community, also has interests in music, movies, television, as well as politics, and they are nearly as deeply rooted as his love for hockey. Prax is the senior content editor at The Checking Line, a website devoted to offering the best hockey discussion around the net, one that features bloggers from all over the league, and one that's constantly growing. Visit www.thecheckingline.com for more of Prax's work.

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  1. Fred Poulin says:
    December 18, 2009 at 1:45 pm

    They should use O’Byrne as a forward instead, he’s playing like crap on defense.

  2. George Prax says:
    December 18, 2009 at 2:07 pm

    Meh, Bergeron’s been doing alright at D but if we can limit his 5 on 5 time and give him 2 full minutes each time on the PP that should benefit the team. Also, I’d assume that O’Byrne might sit a few games once Hamrlik is read too.