Markov

A big reason the Montreal Canadiens were able to right their ship this week and earn wins against Atlanta and Tampa Bay, and maintain their hold on the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference, has been the steady play on the back end of Andrei Markov.

Montreal will hope for more of the same tonight, when they host the Buffalo Sabres in a huge showdown that could go a long way toward determining the final East playoff team.

Herb Zurkowsky of The Gazette wrote a feature for today’s paper on Markov, who was the first NHL defenseman to reach 50 assists this season (even faster than Washington’s Mike Green).

MK: Markov is a solid player — the type that would give the Boston Bruins fits in a first-round playoff series. Luckily, his partner Mike Komisarek has been off his game for months and has been hindering the Habs.

Elsewhere in the division:

•Paul Gaustad led the Buffalo Sabres with his fists and a huge goal against Toronto last night.

•Ottawa’s Dany Heatley will play in his 500th NHL game tonight.