MONTREAL, QC. — Yesterday, after an especially heated week of rumours concerning defenceman Andrei Markov’s possible return from injury, General Manager Pierre Gauthier addressed the media. Gauthier announced that Markov would need to undergo a minor arthroscopic procedure, to alleviate some “swelling and discomfort” that remained after his last surgery.
According to most, if not all, Habs beat reporters, Markov was ready to return to the lineup, if his performance in practice was anything to go by. This news came as a relief to some Habs fans, who felt that they had gone long enough without seeing Markov wear the CH. Appropriately, when Gauthier announced the setback in Markov’s recovery, these fans were so outraged that I could almost hear the Internet groaning.
It’s true that Andrei Markov has missed more games than he has played in the last two seasons. However, in this case, his absence has not made Habs’ fans hearts grow fonder. Instead, the longest-serving player on the team has been maligned by many of the same people who used to cheer for him, who treat him as a nuisance when he used to be a hero. I can’t recall any other team whose fanbase became annoyed with a star player, simply because he was on injured reserve for too long. There’s an atrocious lack of sympathy for the player, and it reflects poorly on all Habs fans.
I may not have any experience treating or recovering from knee injuries, but I’ve read enough hockey news to know that they can be very serious and that recovery is unpredictable. This is Markov’s second knee injury; I’d say that every possible precaution should be taken before he plays again, to ensure that things don’t get even worse. Common sense should dictate that he doesn’t play until he is completely ready for all the physical stress that comes along with 20 minutes of ice time (or more.) Some fans don’t see it that way, or maybe just don’t understand that returning to the game too early might result in Markov needing more time off down the road.
Habs fans, let’s stop being angry about this. Let’s live and let live, and welcome our star defenceman back with open arms – when he’s ready.
Good points for sure. Unfortunately, Pierre Gauthier and the organization are the ones responsible for the frustration more than Markov himself. It’s Gauthier who had set the time table for Markov’s return originally, saying that if he missed any games, it would only be a few. Then he’s also the one who, instead of keeping the wolves up to date, went into hiding and let the rumour-mill go wild, adding to fans and media frustration. Mostly, it’s Gauthier who chose to give Markov a lucrative 3 year contract in a prayer that he’d be back to his old self.
I personally don’t put much blame on Markov, but seeing the way the whole situation has been handled, the finger needs to be pointed at someone… especially with the reason given for not signing Gorges to a longer term contract.
My two cents.
Great post Erica.
People forget that medicine is not (at this time anyway) an exact science and complications, setbacks do happen even when proper care, rehab steps are followed religiously. Nobody ever guaranteed a 100% recovery, even a specific date for return to action.
It is a frustrating situation for everyone, especially for Markov. I think that Habs brass mismanaged the situation by refusing to reveal there were some concerns, especially of late.
Alas, some people tend to personalize their frustrations and have identified Markov as the scapegoat, hence all the bad blood you are referring to.
For my two cents, the whole Bobby Markov situation is a reflection not on Markov himself but on management and communication. If he was going to be newly signed – who was supposed to verify the the oh yes he is ready to play from Don Meehan and Markov himself.
The reason for teh Bobby Markov name of course traces back to Bobby Orr when he signed with the Blackhawks. But the Blackhawks knew that his knees were shot after the Canada Cup – but I digress.
I am putting it down to frustration and if the team were playing well then there would be no prooblem. Team seemed to be waiting for Markov to fix all the problems with the team now they have to look in the mirror….not pretty indeed.
Look, if Markov was ready, then I’d welcome him back as I would any Hab. As it stands, he’s not ready, he’s not even close, and he’s out of practise. There are so many people badmouthing the current D and claiming Marky as the second coming. Let’s build up the talent and esteem of our current young ones, give them the same kind of praise that so many are lavishing on Marky. Give them the time to show their talent.
The ‘longest serving’ member of the team doesn’t even have a connection or partnership with the guys breaking their backs every game. He’d be slotted in because of his past and a place will be made for him instead of one of the young D. We can’t keep living in the ‘what if’, the team has to live in the now.
The now is the D that’s here, willing, desperate to play in the big league, and really quite talented, even if they are being poorly coached.
Allelujah Erica.
I don’t get the Markov bashing. Some fans, in all sports, have a very short collective memory. The Instant Gratification and What Have You Done For Me Lately generation.
Markov is a great player when healthy and would be a big help to the blue line and power play. However, you have to wonder if he is ever going to be able to play again and if so, at what level.
I think Markov is a really good asset for this team and he’s not my favorite. I’ve said, in many articles, that he’s the type of guy you want your young players to learn from. Plus, he’s taking a lot of minutes and plays in every situation.
One thing that pisses me off is the Habs direction. Why do they gave us a timeline anyway?? Why didn’t they just say he’ll play when he’ll be ready. Just like Crosby and the Pens did…
When he’ll comeback, he’ll be good and important and people will stop to critcize him because he’s going to help our team.
Good post.
The Habs NEVER gave a timeline. The media and bloggers are the guilty ones.
malmn,
The Canadiens did not give ‘a’ timeline. They gave many different timelines for the return of Andrei Markov. I heard them from the lips of Jacques Martin and Pierre Gauthier on several occasions. It began in the summer, through training camp, and once the season began. The timeline for Markov’s rehab was always “on schedule” and targeted returns in October, November, December, early January, and now after the All-Star break. The Canadiens have also withheld information regarding the whereabouts of Markov.
Given the lack of information, some of the mainstream media filled the vacuum with speculation and false reports. Yes, they deserve blame too.
You may have missed the reports, you may not be well-informed, or perhaps you are just being obstinate. Whatever the case, I should advise you that you are only looking foolish to strenuously argue a point that is unequivocally untrue.
Hmm…. I know Markov is a great player who is really good asset for this team when healthy and would be a big help to the blue line and power play. he is the idol for the nation, how had he burnished his talent?
The Canadiens have never set a return date for Markov. The team has always stated that his return was unknown. The expectancies were set by the media and online bloggers, therefore the disappointment and “frustration” was created by them. They are to blame. Not Markov nor the team.
Everyone’s looking for someone to blame, and forgetting that an important player (and human being) is injured. That’s what this article was about, really.
Yes indeed. Good post.
Why can’t the fans just blame the PLAYERS? Ultimately they are the ones not doing their jobs.
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