Hello to you, too!
Remember when Mark Streit and Andrei Markov tormented penalty kill units and goaltenders?
Well, if you can't, you can get a great idea of what it was like if you've watched Markov and Habs sophomore defender Raphael Diaz work their magic on the power play.
It's no secret that Markov's performance through 3 games has all but turned the team's potential on its head, but much of #79's remarkable resurgence is quietly due to the young Swiss blueliners equally brilliant play.
With 5 assists in 3 games, Diaz is picking up where he left off in Switzerland as he dominated during the lockout, posting 29 points in 32 games with Zug.
With 3 assists on the power play and a +1, Diaz is doing his best to ease the fears of those wondering how bad off this blue line was going to be without PK Subban.
Skating the sixth most of all Canadiens players so far this season, Diaz is earning it. Averaging 4:40 per game on the power play, second only to Markov's 5:08, it's clear that he is having no problem adjusting back over to the NHL.
Making an equally impressive transition is Alexei Emelin. Also entering his sophomore season in the NHL, the Russian blueliner seems to be far more confident than he was last year. And that's saying a lot given his hit count from his rookie season. But it's true, as Emelin has dished out an astounding 18 hits in the Canadiens first 3 games, second only to Ryan Callahan's 20.
It could be due to the calming veteran presence of Markov, but the beauty is in noticing the two-way effect that is occurring between both Markov and Diaz, and Markov and Emelin.
Many debates occurred throughout Markov's rehab as to what effect he would have when he returned, but little was made of what kind of impact he would have on his teammates. The talent is unmistakable, but the injuries give way for rightful concern. In the end, though, it comes down to the intangible elements Markov brings to the team. His calming presence on and off the ice, his experience as the most veteran member of the Montreal Canadiens, the unnoticeable cues he gives teammates, all hard-to-grasp elements of how he makes this team better.
The Habs quick start has earned Markov and his fellow defenders a fair amount of praise, rightfully so, but I would go one step further in elongating my theory on the overall effect Markov has had on his defenders to include Carey Price. Though he is a rock on his own, it should not be mistaken as coincidence that Price's stellar play to open the season has coincided with a tremendously productive and stable blue line.
It's too early to get all that excited about what this can mean for the Canadiens, but if they continue to work on their winning formula, Michel Therrien just might the chance to turn this team into what fans have dying to see for ages, a winner.
Habs Pre-Game Show
Just a heads-up for Habs fans, I am now the host of the Canadiens pre-game show on www.montrealhockeytalk.com.
Myself, Rob Elbaz and former NHL'er Bobby Dollas (plus a mix of other hockey heads) are live an hour before game time for all 48, so be sure to tune in as we can go places others can't!
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Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
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