MTL’s Markov ruled out for ECF

It is official: Montreal Canadiens’ defenseman Andrei Markov will not be available to play at any point in the Eastern Conference Finals.

The Canadiens top blue liner, Markov, 31,  practiced with the team on Friday and was reported to be eying a return to game action after suffering what was expected to be a season ending knee injury in game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

However, Markov experienced pain after his on-ice workouts and despite wearing a brace on his injured right leg, was deemed not healthy enough to play.