Source: Pro Hockey Talk

When the Montreal Canadiens have been at their best lately, it's been thanks to timely offense, great goaltending and a suffocating defense. With all apologies to Francis Bouillon "Cube," they haven't added much to their blueline, yet their group could be impressive if enough toss-ups go their way.

1. Can Andrei Markov get healthy?

The Canadiens took a leap of faith when they handed Andrei Markov a three-year contract in the 2011 off-season. That gamble went splat as he went from seven games played in 2010-11 to 13 in 2011-12. By that pattern (just 20 games in the last two seasons), one would say Markov's knee is done.

There is one pattern that's a bit more heartening, though. All 13 of his games last season came after March 10, so maybe he's turned the corner? If so, the Habs would get one of the better power play weapons in the NHL (not to mention a solid minute-eater) back on their blueline.

Continue Reading...