Don't Panic! Everything is totally under control

At least we think so.

If there was any attempt to make sense from the summer acquisitions, it was based on what went on behind closed doors and what happens when the Habs lose Markov. Obviously the first kneejerking reaction is tears and booze. Lots of booze. The second reaction is to jump off a bridge. HOWEVER! I would like to remind you this is only game 1 out of 82 in October, and not April.

Also, Czech out the new pairing: it's Head Pigeon and his childhood friend Hammer.

Yea, I know Hammer and Spacek are getting older, and neither can fully replace the abilities and minutes of General Markov... But this was Spacek's role in Buffalo, so it's nothing new for him. HC Martin's new experiment will be to see if these new guys coupled with the regulars can share the wealth of Markov's minutes. It's also an opportunity not only for the guys to step up, but maybe we'll see a Bulldog come in and assert himself in lineup. Maybe (and most likely) Weber will be called up, who was one of the few bright spots in last years playoffs. Maybe Subban will get a little taste. Maybe Carle will dip his toe in the waters of real hockey (and hopefully not get concussed).

I'm a pretty optimistic girl. Frankly if you sit on your hands hemming and hawing at the problems, you'll just get old fast. That's my philosophy and I'm sticking to it. So here's my plus/minus on the situation!

PLUS
- No Olympics for Markov. I appologize to Team Russia, but the Habs come first. He'll be coming back just in time for the Olympic break which means he'll be fresh and ready to get in shape for the final sprint.
- Josh Gorges. Last year when Komisarek was knocked out of the lineup, Gorges took over his spot and got to learn first hand what Markov does. That goal last night, from the setup to following Cammy for the rebound, was pure Markov.
- It's not about one guy. Yes it's hard to replace a guy like Markov, but there are 6 other defensemen that need to step up. It's an opportunity for others to prove themselves. Plus there are two goalies more than capable to do the job, with Price being a 3rd defenseman as he likes to involve himself with the play.
- Hello Pittsburgh! Yes we don't have a Malkin, nor a Crosby, but Gonchar was knocked out way longer last year and the Pens were fairly crap for a long stretch. Their season didn't end so badly, I think...
- Gionta. He won't allow the team to sulk. Why, I get perky just watching him play. There's a reason he's one of the guys with an A pinned to his shirt. Last year's team always appeared to sulk and play beaten when scored upon. I don't really see this mentality this year, and he's a big factor in that.

MINUS
- Call for the collapse! The adjustments might not be instant, and the panic button may be pushed too soon. Already I'm hearing "fans" saying we should just tank our way to the lottery pick. Hogwash.
- Media fodder! Oh lord it's going to be annoying to hear this new "question" put to the room. What? Tired of the captaincy issue? Size issue? Hal Gill's foot speed issue?
- Fantasy Teams. I'm really sorry for all those who picked Markov, as he's usually a solid batch of points. Maybe he'll tear the League a new one when he returns to compensate?
- Breezer. Apparently in the wake of this problem, there is word that Breezer has offered his services for cheap. Yes Breezer we know you're a great and lovable team player, but dude, no, you just retired. Suck up those tears and get yourself Nascar ready. Also I'm thinking Dandy might be better for an emergency veteran pick up on D... My brother said Chelibot is still available and I nearly spit up my dinner. MAYBE IF I HAD A TIME MACHINE AND GOT THE YOUNGER VERSION!!!
- Other Malarkey. Apparently some droogs in Leafs Nation claim this is retribution for TK's hit on Mike Made-of-Glass Van Ryn. Really, and I mean this in the fairest and truest sense of a rival fan: fuck off. That guy would get injured in a slight breeze...

A team builds character through adversity. It's still early enough in the season to work around this little setback. As fans, the best we can do is shine the #79 beacon high off Place-Ville-Marie and hope for a speedy recovery. After all, victory is never a given, even with your number 1 player healthy, and that mantra over the rink door isn't for show.