Markov's bad play recently: according to "reliable" sources, he's broken up with his girlfriend due to something he did in November. He asked for her hand in marriage on Tuesday before the Boston game, she said no.

My love, bring me white gloves please! "

" What for? "

"Because I have to put them on before writing my next article. Bring the whitest! "

I learned (from very credible sources) some stuff regarding the privacy of Andrei Markov, last week. Something that does not deserve to be shared publicly, in my opinion. Why? I do not know ... Maybe I'm getting older and I am chastened? Or maybe because I judge it too personal?

Except after seeing the poor performance of Andrei Markov Tuesday night ...

After hearing the boos directed towards him (they may well lead to a whole team, if you ask me, but not on A particular player) ...

After hearing Michel Therrien to defend Markov like he was on the ground ...

Let me share with you some of what I know about the # 79. Why? Not to excuse, but rather to try to explain a little better why he played so bad lately, and also to try to deflect some projectors. Markov is far from the only player who deserves to be blamed ... And now I see that supporters have the right to know why he is far from the best years of Markov right now.

Andrei Markov is no longer in a relationship with Carolina Montes, a real estate broker who shared his life for a little over 5 years (at least publicly).

Their relationship began to falter last summer, but they tried to resolve their conflict and to stay together until November. In short, everyone was (really) giving this relationship their all.

However something happened which made sure Carolina pulled the plug towards the end of November. Something most girls deem unforgivable ...

Since then, Andrei Markov is a shadow of himself on the ice. He commits turnovers constantly and has even been benched and demoted to the third pair). Does he want to screw up the finest (and stable) moments of his life?

Tuesday, he was worse than ever. Markov just seemed to be on another planet (where obviously there is no ice and where they do not play much hockey).

What can explain that Tuesday was worse than ever, for Markov?

The Russian defender saw his ex-girlfriend the day before and asked for her hand in marriage, hoping to repair (extraordinary way, but good) the pieces. She said no.

So do not look to 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. to know why Markov was for looking on the ice, 24 hours later. He is looking without, not within (and I'm not talking about him, lost in his huge house in the South Shore).

Markov could count on his girlfriend while crossing the most difficult moments of his career. Without it, he finds himself more exposed (and broken). Without it, who knows if he would be able to recover both of its two major knee surgeries?

If you think this aspect of the life of Andrei has no connection with his play on the ice, you live on another planet (where there may be ice, but okay). Anyone who lives through a breakup is affected by this break in his professional life. Markov's professional life is to play hockey. So his game is affected.

There are other things that affect # 79, in his personal life, but I really do not see how it would come out of it publicly today.

My point was to convey with this article that the erratic play Markov is (big) part caused by what happens outside of the ice, in his life. Giving more details would not strengthen my point. I guess my point has already been made.

We hope Markov will bring order to his personal life, for him and for the Canadiens hockey club. At last, there would perhaps still a little hope on this side ...

Until then, we will watch how Michel Therrien will manage the use of its veteran defenseman.

/r/Habs Thread Link - danslescoulisses.com