By Paulo Cerqueira, Staff Writer,  All Habs Hockey Magazine

MONTREAL, QC. — Over the last few seasons there have been a number of players on the Montreal Canadiens that have been the target have a lot of criticism from fans and media alike. Of course Carey Price is one of those easy targets, but two additional players who fall into that category are Andrei Markov and P.K. Subban.

Markov, who has had his share of bad luck with injuries over the last few seasons, has often been on the receiving end of all kinds of negative comments. You have probably heard the common complaints: he is too injury prone, he is too old, his contract is too long or he costs too much. Markov even gets criticized for his demeanor during press scrums. Any little thing that can be used against him usually is.

Then there’s P.K. Subban. He is a lightning rod for controversy. Regardless of his skill and talent, the young Norris winner leaves no one indifferent.  Here’s his list: he takes too many risks, he is not dependable enough in his own zone, he isn’t good enough for the Olympic team, he celebrates too much and his personality is too loud. Name anything negative and Subban has probably had it said about him already.

So considering all this, and the fact that according to many “insiders” both players don’t get along, what was the only logical thing that could be done to help both players? Put them together! There is no chance that they will be critiqued as severely if they are playing together right? Of course not! Makes perfect sense.

Funny thing is that the approach mentioned above really does make a lot of sense and since they were paired together the results have been incredible. The duo have helped the Habs to their best sequence of the season with 13 points out of the last possible 14. Even more impressive is that as a team the Canadiens have conceded two goals or less in their last 11 games (we can credit the goaltending for that stat as well.)

So what makes this pair of misfits so perfect for each other? Well first of all it gives the Habs a perfect 2-for-1 combo in a single defense pairing. Markov and Subban can be a perfect shutdown tandem as shown against Pittsburgh and Washington. They were able to neutralize superstars such as Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Alex Ovechkin. Not an easy task. But as they are shutting down the opposition, they are also a dynamic offensive duo who controls the play from the backend. Not many defense partners around the league can do that.

For Markov, playing with Subban is the best thing that could have happened to him at this stage of his career. Before running into his injury issues, the veteran defenseman was one of the top rearguards in the NHL. He was also responsible for helping the career and bank account of any partner he had. From Sheldon Souray to Mike Komisarek to Ryan O’Byrne, as well as Mark Streit and even Marc-André Bergeron, Markov gave all of these players instant credibility. It can be easily argued that the only one who had a better career since losing Markov as a partner was Streit. After departing, the others never really lived up to the reputation they had while playing with the Habs.

Now that Markov has lost a step due to father time and especially reconstructive surgery on both of his knees, having a partner with the speed of Subban helps him with not having to worry about being behind the play. It allows Markov that extra second that he needs to make the right play. With the great vision and hockey sense number 79 has, that extra second is usually the beginning of a great breakout or scoring chance for the Habs.

On the other side of the coin, for P.K. having a partner like Markov is just a beneficial. Subban like the Streit’s, Souray’s and others before him is automatically insulated by having Markov on his left side. Subban can let loose more often with his legendary end-to-end rushes, knowing that Markov won’t get caught out of position and he will be there to cover for him if ever the puck is coughed up.

Also by playing with Markov, P.K. is getting to learn firsthand, the art of being a great two way defensemen. Markov’s offensive skills cannot be ignored. When healthy, year in and year out he is always among the top scorers amongst NHL blue liners. However what is often forgotten with Markov is just how sound he is in his own zone. Rarely out of position and always with great stick placement, Andrei is not often beat in one-on-one battles. He not the type that will take opponents off the puck with a booming hit but he doesn’t need that to come away with the puck. He’s got the savvy and the know how to do it, without the all the physicality.

Aside from the on ice learning and teaching that is going on with this newly formed Habs “Odd Couple,” Subban is learning how to be a consummate professional and some of his youthful enthusiasm might be rubbing off on Markov.

This was evident in two instances last week: First when P.K. was asked why he doesn’t take optional skates off unless he his banged up? The response from the youngster came almost as quick as one of his up ice rushes: “Markie never takes optionals off.” Secondly how could anyone miss Markov’s celebration when P.K. scored against the Leafs on Saturday night? The Russian who is known for being emotionless, was everything but while celebrating the exploit of his young partner.

Not bad for two guys who hate each other right?

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