Canadiens D Markov sidelined after knee surgery
Montreal defenseman Andrei Markov has undergone knee surgery and will not return to the Canadiens' lineup during the playoffs.
Markov will be out for six months, according to the team, which announced Wednesday that he had a successful procedure to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
The Russian All-Star has missed eight games since he was injured during the Canadiens' 6-3 loss in Pittsburgh on April 30.
Markov practiced Friday but did not accompany the team to Philadelphia, where Montreal was shut out in two straight losses to fall behind 2-0 in the Eastern Conference final. The Canadiens host Game 3 at Bell Centre on Thursday night.
Markov had four assists in eight playoff games. He had 34 points in 45 regular-season games.
