Montreal Canadiens Should Have 5 Players at the All Star Game

Examining why Defensemen Andrei Markov deserves to be selected to the NHL All Star Game.

Many thought that Andrei Markov was on the decline because of his age and performance last season. Andrei looked as if he couldn’t keep up with the pace of today’s fast game and looked as if he had worn out. Markov played  big minutes last season especially down the stretch as the Habs were struggling to score.

However, Montreal Canadiens Head Coach Michel Therrien and the rest of the Coaching Staff decided to reduce Markov’s minutes this season. The change has worked wonders for Markov as he looks so much more fresh than last season.

Good Chemistry

The Canadiens also moved on from Markov’s Defense partner, P.K. Subban, in the off-season. Subban was also Markov’s partner on the Habs Power Play last season. Andrei would have quite the task of trying to build chemistry with new players both five on five, and the Power Play unit.

Markov has definitely formed great chemistry with Jeff Petry and Shea Weber. Andrei plays most of his even strength ice time with Petry and this duo has been a real key to the Canadiens balanced scoring. Markov has always lacked foot speed, but Petry is a quick smooth skating defender who really complements Markov’s style.

Andrei has also complemented Shea Weber on the Power Play. Markov uses his terrific passing ability to set Weber up for his howitzer slap shot. This duo has been one of the main reasons for the Canadiens Power Play resurgence.

Markov vs Atlantic Division Defensemen

Here’s how Markov’s stats look compared to the rest of the Defensemen in the Atlantic:

Player                           Team            GP              G               A              P             +/-               TOI

Andrei Markov              MTL            23              2             15            17             4               22:05

Erik Karlsson                 OTT             24              4             15           19             4               27:14

Victor Hedman             TB                25               5            13           18             3               24:35

Mike Green                    DET             24               4             9             13             0               24:20

Keith Yandle                  FLA              24               1            11           12             4               22:27

Rasmus Ristolainen    BUF             23               0            12           12           -5               26:18

Morgan Rielly                TOR             23               1            12           13           -6               22:54

Markov’s numbers are clearly among the best in the Atlantic. Andrei has also been able to produce almost the same amount of points as Karlsson, and Hedman, but playing less time. Markov has also played less games than Hedman and one less game than Karlsson.

Another interesting fact, is that all the players that appear above have an average age of 26. Markov is 37 years old, and he will turn 38 on December 20th of this month. He clearly is still one of the league’s top defenders and deserves to be named to the Atlantic All Star team.