Moscow loses, but Markinson shines

[STZ 5,360]

Moscow, Russia.

 

After yet another Finals loss, the Moscow Menace are faced with an off-season of questions. Do they load back up, or is there something in the formula that isn't wuite right? Fans and critics alike have been debating whether this team can really get it done. They are cornered around franchise power forward Duncan Idaho, and a smooth skating playmaking defenseman Aurelien Moreau. Young netminder Papa Emertius has proven to be an elite goalie in the league, and made a statement in the playoffs. Second line center Seabasstard had a breakout season, where he dropped 127 points in 72 games played. Rookie Nico Pearce had an outstanding first season, living up to the hype around this blue-chip prospect. Paul Atriedes has been the number one center that Moscow expected him to be, when selected first overall in S77. When you break it down, there's no player on this team underachieving, and there are a handful of elite talent, incredible depth, and world class management - so why haven't they been able to get the job done?

 

That is the question everyone is wondering; will this year be different?

 

One player left off that summary was former second overall selection Hard Markinson. Markinson was paired up through the season with Zdeno Chara, and played a very important shutdown role on the second pairing. However, Markinson completely went off in the playoffs, having an offensive breakout post-season. Markinson put up 37 points in the 17 games played, while also having very impressive defensive stats. Hard had 110 points in the regular season, bringing his career total for points above a point per game. Between this season and last, his playoff points total 47 in 32 games played. While there are question marks about how effective Moscow is in the post-season, it does seem that the young hard hitting defenseman shows up in the games that matter.