Andrei Markov's injury: A big challenge for the Montreal Canadiens.

The first victory of the season for the Montreal Canadiens came with a huge price tag. The team's best defense men, Andrei Markov, was injured and will be sidelined for up to four months.

The incident came during the third goal of the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Canadiens goaltender, Carey Price, went on the ice in an attempt to stop the puck and clipped Markov's left foot with the blade of his skate. The incident at first look seems to be minor but the injury that resulted is catastrophic for the team.

The challenge will be to play all this time without their best player. The Canadiens cannot replace a player like Andrei Markov. Canadiens' head coach Jacques Martin will have to find a solution to this problem. The Habs held a record of 6-19-2 without the russian player in the lineup.

The team could call up Yannick Weber, Matthieu Carle or P.K. Subban from the Hamilton Bulldogs to fill the spot.

(Picture: Andrei Markov, Getty Images.)