by Coach K, AllHabs.net

SAINT-LAZARE, QC – After the loss of perennial all-star Andrei Markov, and the subsequent loss of the heart of their defense, Josh Gorges, it was assumed by most that the Canadiens would struggle defensively for the remainder of the season. While they have done an excellent job to this point, the Habs’ aging defensemen are starting now to really show their miles.

In the last two seasons, Andrei Markov, who by the way will be an unrestricted free agent come season’s end, has missed a total of 84 regular season games of a possible 136. During the stretch, the brunt of the responsibility of covering Markov’s absence fell on defenseman Roman Hamrlik. In the past, “The Hammer” has risen to the occasion, and went above and beyond any expectations the Canadiens’ brass may have had for him.

His defensive partner, Jaroslav Spacek, has done his best as well. Last season, his first with the Canadiens, he was forced to play the right defensive position, something he had not done to this point in his career. While in this transition, he performed admirably, but still at a disadvantage. Being that he is a left-handed shot, the majority of the time in the defensive zone he was forced into using his backhand to clear the puck. It was a shortcoming that many teams attempted to exploit, with marginal success.

However, this season, these two ageless wonders are not so ageless anymore. It has become apparent to this coach that both Hamrlik and Spacek have relinquished a few steps to the opposition. Making it even harder for them to play their positions effectively is that fact they both have been offensively minded in the past. Their often-mistimed attempts to support the rush often result in turnovers in transition, and multiple odd man rushes. Factor in the seemingly limitless back-to-back games this month, and the problem multiplies.

In recent weeks, coach Jacques Martin had split this pair up during five-on-five situations, pairing them up with either Yannick Weber or James Wisnewski respectively. However, this was not the case on the penalty-killing unit, where both these veterans were on the ice for multiple power play goals against.

So what are the Canadiens’ to do to help bolster the defensive posture? As far as I am concerned, it’s very simple. Keep these two apart. Continue pairing them with more agile defenseman in order to increase their chance of success. The coaching staff should also remind their D-men that they must play defense first. Unless the offensive strategy of the Canadiens changes drastically, the forwards have not had the propensity of overly using their defensive teammates as offensive options. They spend more time cycling the puck.

Part of the issue is Canadiens’ General Manager sitting on the cap space allotted by the prolonged absence of both Gorges and Markov. It would have been simple to make a deal for another able-bodied defenseman, as was the case in the acquisition of the aforementioned Wisnewski. While it may seem to some that giving up another draft pick would hurt our beloved franchise in the long term, other than P.K. Subban, our track record has been that great.

I can certainly understand Gauthier’s objection to obtaining a “rental” player as a short-term solution. That being said, he may need to step in and tell his coaches to do a better job on the defensive side of their dossier. The stellar play of Carey Price has masked many of the issues the team has, as was the case with Jaroslav Halak last season. It’s time that the Canadiens’ coaching staff used a little bit of elbow grease, and got to work on this problem before it costs them a playoff spot.

(Photo by Francois Lacasse/NHLI via Getty Images)