Markov

MONTREAL — The Montreal Canadiens have only had three power-play opportunities through the first two games of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series with the Boston Bruins. And they’ve failed on all three en route to falling into an 0-2 hole in the series.

But should this series drag out long enough, the power play might get a boost from defenseman Andrei Markov. The Habs’ No. 1 blueliner and power-play quarterback skated again today as he continued to attempt a return from a knee injury that’s kept him out since April 4.

“They are closer. They have been skating but they haven’t been in a full team practice. Neither is practising with our team,” Montreal head coach Bob Gainey said today about Markov and fellow injured Habs player Robert Lang, who has been out since Feb. 1 with a leg injury. “(Markov) would be considered (to play) when he gets to that stage.”

There’s no telling when Markov, who totaled 12-52-64 with seven power-play goals on the season, will get to that stage. After all, just a little more than a week ago weird leaked that defenseman Mathieu Schneider was going to miss the rest of the season and he returned the next night. For all we know, Markov could be back.

The Habs would obviously benefit from a Markov return.

“Everyone misses him as a power-play specialist but the guys in there have to do the job,” said defenseman Roman Hamrlik.

Added forward Tomas Kostopoulos: “(Markov) is a player you can’t replace.”

Here are a couple other notes:

•Gainey still has not announced his starting goaltender between Carey Price and Jaroslav Halak. Price was pulled after two periods of Game 2.

“It’s been tough on everyone. It’s been a tough series, not just for him,” said defenseman Josh Gorges. “If you ask him, he’d tell you he’s got to make a couple of extra saves. But we all have to be better.”

•Defenseman Francis Bouillon, who returned after a two-month absence to skate just four shifts in Game 2, is not expected to be back for Game 3.