An excerpt from Canadiens.com (Manny Almela):

As the numbers began to pile up for the Russian defenseman in 2007-08, word began to spread of his vast talent. By midseason, Markov’s star had arrived with the 29-year-old not only being voted an All-Star starter by fans, but also doing so in spectacular fashion. With a total of 316,136 votes, only the Penguins’ Sidney Crosby boasted a higher total on the Eastern Conference side. After scoring a goal in his All-Star debut, Markov will now be looking to become the first Habs defenseman to play in consecutive All-Star games since Larry Robinson did so in 1988 and 1989.

By reaching career highs in both goals (16) and points (58), Markov enjoyed the most explosive season by a Canadiens full-time blue-liner since Chris Chelios piled up 58 assists and 73 points back in 1988-89. The native of Voskresensk, Russia will now be gunning to become the first Canadiens rearguard to post four straight 40-plus seasons since Robinson managed the feat for 14 seasons from 1974-75 to 1987-88.