Canadiens to Honor Andrei Markov Ahead of Matchup with Jets
MONTREAL - Wednesday night at the Bell Centre won’t just be about the Canadiens trying to get back in the win column - it’ll also be a night to celebrate one of the most beloved defensemen in franchise history. Andrei Markov is back in Montreal, nearly nine years after his last game on home ice, and the Canadiens are set to honor his legacy with a pregame ceremony that promises to be emotional and memorable.
A Night for No. 79
Before the puck drops against the Winnipeg Jets, the Canadiens will pay tribute to Markov’s storied career. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats before 7:30 p.m.
ET to catch the full ceremony, which will include video tributes from former teammates and friends. Expect a few surprises along the way - this is, after all, a celebration of a player who spent 16 seasons wearing the CH and quietly became one of the most impactful blueliners in team history.
Inside the Bell Centre, fans will find official Markov jerseys and commemorative pucks available for purchase. And for those who think they know their Markov trivia, there’s an online quiz with a signed puck up for grabs. Just another way to connect with a player who meant so much to the city and the team.
Canadiens Looking to Bounce Back
On the ice, the Canadiens are hoping to shake off Tuesday night’s loss to the Ottawa Senators. Montreal has just three wins in its last 10 games, and if they’re going to turn things around, it starts with a full 60-minute effort - especially on the defensive end.
December is shaping up to be one of the busiest months of the season, and consistency will be key if Martin St. Louis’ group wants to stay competitive in the Atlantic Division.
The Canadiens come into the matchup with a 13-9-3 record, sitting fifth in the division and 12th in the Eastern Conference. There’s been some positive momentum at times, but the team knows that in a tight playoff race, every point matters - especially at home.
Jets Dealing with Adversity
Winnipeg rolls into Montreal looking to salvage what’s been a rough road trip. The Jets have dropped three of their last four and six of their last 10, and they’re still trying to recapture the form that saw them finish near the top of the league standings last season.
They’ll have to do it without their All-Star goaltender. Connor Hellebuyck is out for four to six weeks after undergoing knee surgery in late November, which means the Jets are leaning on their depth between the pipes. At 13-12-0, Winnipeg currently sits sixth in the Central Division and 12th in the Western Conference - not where they expected to be at this point in the year.
Players to Watch
Cole Caufield continues to be a bright spot for the Canadiens. The 24-year-old winger extended his point streak to eight games with a pair of assists against Ottawa.
He’s now up to 28 points on the season (14 goals, 14 assists), and 10 of those have come during this recent stretch. Caufield’s confidence with the puck and ability to create offense from anywhere on the ice make him a player the Jets will need to key in on.
For Winnipeg, Mark Scheifele is heating up. The veteran center is riding a four-game point streak, with two goals and two assists over that span.
Through 25 games, he’s already at 32 points (13 goals, 19 assists), and if he keeps this pace up, he could be on track for a career-best season. Scheifele’s combination of size, skill, and vision makes him a constant threat - and a major challenge for the Canadiens’ defense.
The Season Series
This is the first of two meetings between these teams this season. The Canadiens will travel to Winnipeg for the return matchup on February 4. With both clubs hovering around the middle of their respective conferences, these head-to-head games could carry added weight as the playoff picture starts to take shape.
Lineup Notes
Because it’s the second game of a back-to-back, the Canadiens won’t hold a morning skate on Wednesday. Fans can catch Martin St.
Louis’ pregame media availability around 4:30 p.m. ET on the team’s official channels, and final lineup details will be shared closer to puck drop via the Canadiens’ social media accounts.
Extra Flavor for Game Day
For fans in the Montreal area, there’s a little bonus on game days this season - the classic chicken sandwich from PFK is available for just $5.95 at participating locations. Whether you’re heading to the Bell Centre or watching from home, it’s a tasty way to get into the game-day spirit.
Wednesday night is shaping up to be more than just another game on the schedule. Between the tribute to a Canadiens legend and two teams looking to find their rhythm, there’s plenty to watch for - both on and off the ice.