Under the dazzling lights of the Bell Centre, the ice shimmered with anticipation. Fans pressed against the glass, faces aglow, waiting for a moment that had been years in the making—a tribute to Andrei Markov, the quiet titan who had defined an era of Montreal Canadiens hockey. The arena was transformed, not just by the spectacle of the game, but by the presence of Markov and his family, standing at center ice as memories swirled through the air like snowflakes. For those lucky enough to be inside, it was pure magic: the cheers, the tears, the montage of highlights, and the warmth of a city finally honoring one of its most beloved sons.

But outside the Bell Centre, a very different story was unfolding. Across Canada, thousands of fans tuned in to Sportsnet, eager to witness the tribute, only to be met with silence. No images of Markov’s family, no echoes of applause, no mention of the ceremony at all. Instead, viewers were left with routine intros, endless panels, and a gnawing sense of confusion. How could a network dedicated to hockey miss such an emotional, historic moment? As the game began, social media exploded with disbelief and anger—posts, tweets, and comments piling up in real time, each one more incredulous than the last.

On “HabsOnReddit,” the frustration boiled over. Fans questioned, debated, and vented, their disappointment echoing across the digital landscape. “Is it true that Sportsnet didn’t even show the Andrei Markov Habs ceremony at the Bell Centre?” one post asked, sparking a flood of replies. Some called it an oversight, others labeled it disrespectful, and many demanded answers from the network that had promised to bring them closer to the game they love.

The visuals from inside the arena only deepened the sense of loss for those watching from home. Markov, flanked by his family, basked in the adulation of the crowd—a moment of connection and closure that had been years in the making. The cameras captured everything: the gratitude in Markov’s eyes, the pride on his children’s faces, the standing ovation that seemed to last forever. But for viewers relying on Sportsnet, these images were nothing more than rumors, glimpsed through cell phone videos and secondhand reports.

Why did Sportsnet choose not to broadcast the tribute? The answer remains a mystery, fueling speculation and outrage across the hockey world. Some wonder if it was a technical error, others suspect a deliberate snub, but the truth is still out of reach. What’s clear, however, is that the decision has struck a nerve—reminding fans of the fragile bond between the game and those who tell its stories.

As the Canadiens capped off the night with a dramatic shootout victory, the conversation continued to swirl. Was this a simple mistake, or a sign of something deeper? Did Sportsnet miss an opportunity to honor a legend, or did they inadvertently spark a new debate about respect, recognition, and the power of shared moments in sports?

For now, the questions linger, and the images from the Bell Centre remain etched in the memories of those who were there. But for the rest, the story of Andrei Markov’s tribute is still waiting to be told.

Photo of Andrei Markov and his Family

Photo credit: Screenshot

Immediately before the matchup between the Montreal Canadiens and the Winnipeg Jets, fans were treated to a beautiful tribute to Andrei Markov.

It produced some incredible visuals:

That said, not everyone actually got the chance to see those great moments.

Why?

Because Sportsnet made the strange decision not to broadcast a single second of Markov’s tribute ceremony.

For what reason?

No one knows yet, but it’s generating a massive reaction on social media right now.

No mention of the Andrei Markov tribute on Sportsnet’s broadcast

The comments under this post from the excellent “HabsOnReddit” page confirm it, and let’s just say there’s really, truly no consensus.

“Is it true that Sportsnet didn’t even show the Andrei Markov Habs ceremony at the Bell Centre?”

– HabsOnReddit

It’s definitely a bizarre decision from the network, and some are even calling it disrespectful toward Markov.

“Sportsnet had the time to do multiple intros, panels, yet they couldn’t even show Markov getting honored.

Fans were waiting this, SN could have gotten some respect, but no, and they even have the guts to put on the boards “Andrei Markov’s homecoming”. Beyond disappointing.”

Comments like these, there are hundreds on social media right now.

And you, what is your opinion on this situation?

In the end, it was a great night for the Habs, capped off by a 3-2 shootout victory.