Markov had an assist and was minus-3 while skating 24:42 in Saturday night's 5-3 win over Toronto.

EDGE Analysis

After a sterling five-point, plus-4 game Friday night, Markov shed three points of the league leading plus-14 he carried entering Saturday's game. Perhaps it was the result of the soon-to-be 37-year-old logging such a heavy workload on the second of a back-to-back set. At any rate, the plus-11 he has following Saturday is tied for second in the NHL with teammates Tomas Plekanec and P.K. Subban.

Markov exploded Friday night against the Sabres, netting a power-play goal to go along with four assists in the 7-2 win.

EDGE Analysis

Oh, and Markov also added a plus-4 rating and turned in two blocked shots for the kind of performance that fantasy owners previously could only dream about their guy having. Markov's output seemed like it came straight out of a video game, as he was making plays all over the ice. Interestingly enough, all of his points came between the second and third periods. The defenseman had gone the previous three contests without a point before this outburst, but with Markov averaging 3:48 on the power play this season and his team being undefeated after eight games, Markov is an attractive blueliner to own in fantasy hockey. However, if you weren't already an owner of Markov, good luck trading for him after this one - his price tag has just skyrocketted.

Markov had five blocked shots and was plus-2 in 22:25 of ice time in Tuesday night's win over the Blues.

EDGE Analysis

Markov is the Habs' leader at plus-10 through seven games. It helps that the team is playing well and head coach Michel Therrien can roll all of his bodies. The 36-year-old is averaging 23:24 of ice time, the fewest minutes he's played since returning from several knee injuries in 2012.

Markov had an assist and was plus-3 in 21:44 of ice time in Wednesday's season-opening win over Toronto.

EDGE Analysis

Markov's playing time was nearly three minutes less than his partner on defense, P.K. Subban. Montreal head coach Michel Therrien would like to manage Markov's minutes all season, though that might be a luxury the coach can't afford some nights.

Markov scored his first preseason goal Thursday night against Ottawa.

EDGE Analysis

Markove logged a preseason-high 23:11 of ice time, which approximates a typical regular season game. He has a goal and two assists in three preseason games.

Markov notched his first goal of the postseason in Thursday's Game 4 triumph over the Lightning. With 10 goals during the regular season, it's not overly surprising that it took 10 postseason contest before Markov found twine, but his lack of consistent involvement offensively has hurt the Habs, who find themselves down 3-1 in the series even after Thursday's win. Markov has just two points and 14 shot attempts over the first two rounds of the playoffs.

Markov stayed hot Thursday, scoring his 10th goal and adding a power-play assist to improve his point streak to six games. Markov's now achieved double-digit goals six times in his career, and he's just a single point shy of reaching 50 for only the third time. All in all, it's been an excellent campaign for the veteran blueliner, who's now turned in three consecutive seasons in which he's been essentially untouched by injury.

Markov returned to the active lineup after being rested one game. He skated a team-high 23:10 and had an assist in a 4-1 win over Florida. The 36-year-old Markov, who added two shots on net, two blocked shots and a hit in the win, now has points in five straight starts.

Markov is slated to rejoin the Habs' lineup Sunday against the Panthers. Markov, who was held out of the Habs' lineup Friday against New Jersey for rest-related reasons, is back in action Sunday, with Manny Malhotra, Mike Weaver, Sergei Gonchar and Brian Flynn set to be the team's healthy scratches for the contest.

Markov will be held out of the lineup Friday against the Devils for rest-related reasons, Tom Gulitti of The Record reports. With the Habs' playoff spot already secure, the 36-year-old Markov will sit out with the team playing its second game in as many days. Coach Michel Therrien's decision to keep Markov out should prove beneficial in helping the blueliner feel fresh heading into the postseason. Sergei Gonchar will take his spot in the lineup Friday, but look for Markov to draw back in Sunday against the Panthers.