Markov needs surgery on right knee

THE CANADIAN PRESS

MONTREAL — The Montreal Canadiens have confirmed that defenceman Andrei Markov will be out for the long term with a right knee injury.

A team spokesman gave no details of the injury and said no time frame was set for how long Markov would be out of action.

Markov injured the knee when he got entangled with Eric Staal of Carolina as both chased a puck in a corner during Montreal’s 7-2 win over the Hurricanes on Saturday night.

The 31-year-old was in only his seventh game back from an injury to the same knee that required surgery. Markov had injured it during the second round of playoffs against Pittsburgh.

Markov is considered Montreal’s best defenceman and is a key point man on the power play.

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