Following up on the talk of defensemen from the previous post, things continue to hum along for rookie defenseman Alec Martinez. After his one-goal, one-assist effort against Detroit, Martinez had his ice time increased by nearly four minutes on Thursday against Calgary, and Terry Murray isn’t only pleased with Martinez’s offensive potential. Not long ago, it would hav been safe to guess that Martinez would be the odd man out when Willie Mitchell returned, but would you make that bet now? Probably not. Murray had strong praise for Martinez after today’s practice…
MURRAY: “He’s getting better every time he’s on the ice, I think. His awareness is really improved. His body positioning and low play has improved dramatically from last year, and he’s got great ability to carry the puck, with his speed, quickness, good first stride. He’s getting better, as I say. Every time he’s in the lineup, I’m seeing improvement in areas of his game.”
To answer Rich’s question: No, I would not bet against Martinez. Unless he somehow plays himself out of the lineup tomorrow night, I think Drewiske is the odd man out.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
December 10th, 2010 at 6:24 pm
@DougS, It would seem that way on the surface…stay tuned.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
December 10th, 2010 at 10:24 pm
@DougS, I must be dreaming. Drewiske, who has played great is likely gonna get the boot. Talk about rich in defensive talent. My goodness, even Muzzin could make most NHL teams. I feel terrible for Drewiske, but that’s life in the NHL I guess.
[Reply]
Martinez should stay. His adjustment/learning curve seems to have been a lot more consistent to the “upside” while others have had problems with consistency.
While I like Drewiske, Harrold provides more options.
Of course, things can change,
jmo
[Reply]
I feel like Alec has been one of the best defensman on the ice the last several games. I see no reason to send him back to Manchester unless it all goes bad later. His foot speed and strong positioning has been evident in every game. Not a dig on Harold, but Alec has a lot of potential and is playing better than mainstays like Johnson and Doughty. Drewiski probably has to go for now, and Harold goes back to the press box when Richardson is ready to play.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
December 10th, 2010 at 10:26 pm
@Dpars, I wouldn’t agree that he is playing better than Doughty, but I think Martinez right now is 2nd to only Doughty.
[Reply]
i was at the game last night and martinez was one of the slickest skaters out there… never missed an assignment, found openings in the o-zone in a very tight checking game. he was all-around super solid. don’t send him back. this kid’s all upside.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
December 10th, 2010 at 10:28 pm
@King o’ Philly, I still think his play down low is only fair, but when the Kings go on offense … look out, Martinez knows right where to go and he gets there before anyone thinks he can … and he shot is as good as any of our blue liners.
[Reply]
mrbrett7 Reply:
December 10th, 2010 at 11:40 pm
@KC23, Learning curve. It will come (I think).
[Reply]
1 year ago he was just another kid trying to get noticed. 6 Months ago he seemed a step behind and couldn’t crack the line up. 2 months ago he came out of camp and went strait to the minors for more seasoning. Right now he’s reading the ice well, and contributing offensively.
Manchesters doing a great job with these guys. You can see the developement taking place. We might not have a cup, but you can’t deny the improvement is there. He’s not the only one either.
[Reply]
Stagger Reply:
December 10th, 2010 at 7:14 pm
@Dominick,
Well said Dom.
Nice to meet you the other day too.
GKG!
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
December 10th, 2010 at 7:31 pm
@Stagger,
Always good to meet another one of the Kings faithful. Hopefully we can catch some games together soon.
[Reply]
DougS Reply:
December 10th, 2010 at 8:03 pm
@Dominick,
Yes, he’s been such a pleasant surprise this time around, hasn’t he? I can’t remember that he made much of an impression at all when he was with the big club last year.
It would have been very easy to write him off as an also-ran, especially with so many other D prospects in the organization. Needless to say, very happy the Kings didn’t do so. Just goes to show the value of patience in evaluating young players.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
December 10th, 2010 at 10:30 pm
@DougS, Martinez made a huge impression on me last years opener. He stunk. I can’t believe this is the same player. Someone in Manchester is doing one heck of a job developement wise.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
December 11th, 2010 at 10:27 am
@KC23, Since Dean Lombardi has been here, I have never seen so many young players come through our system. And you are right, people like Hextall, Morris, and Ranford have to get credit because it seems like every time someone gets called up, they get better each time (Martinez a good example).
Off topic, but for those of you looking for some cheap entertainment on a Friday night, might I suggest logging onto the Devils’ website, Fire and Ice. It is immensely enjoyable to sign on and remind that team’s loyal fans that Kovy is on pace for 38 points for the year, and a lovely -44 plus/minus rating. Good clean fun…
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
December 10th, 2010 at 10:31 pm
@rick, You know that is just mean spirted.
What time btw?
[Reply]
Play or you lose your job! Love it! Makes me wish this sort of thing still happened regularly when it came to baseball, but no they will trot out the same zombie out there over and over even if they don’t produce.
[Reply]
No way Martinez goes back! Not only has he impressed me with his skating and ability to get the shot through on net, but he really seems to grasp the game mentally. High hockey IQ and very decisive with his play. He seems to know where to be on the ice to make a play, and doesn’t panic and turn the puck over. I’m really digging this defensive corp the Kings are churning out. Go Kings!
[Reply]
Imagine if Jack Johnson was as good as Martinez?
[Reply]
Gary L Reply:
December 10th, 2010 at 8:54 pm
@Dave, I like Martinez this year too. He has a great stick in front of the net. He also seems to be able to use body position on bigger players along the boards and come up with the puck. He is heads and shoulders above last year. However why the cheap shot at Johnson? He played a solid game and only had an assist on the game winning goal. The lets jump on Jack bandwagon is getting pretty old. Give the kid a break.
[Reply]
KennyD Reply:
December 10th, 2010 at 9:37 pm
@Gary L, I agree give jj break,he some tough games for a while,so did all the kings players,i dont see Alec Martinez going anyehere.anyone heard how Marrco Sturn doing in Boston?I stil the trade we happen very soon
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
December 10th, 2010 at 10:35 pm
@Dave, JJ is better on the boards, better in front of his own net and much better at “walking the line” than Martinez.
Martinez is faster though and has better reads when pressing the attack in the offensive end of the rink. Martinez is also a better passer.
[Reply]
Martinez has the makings of a dynamic NHLer. He is ideally suited to pair with a defensive, stay-at-home defenseman. But also, I’d love to see what he can do getting some time with Doughty on the power play. That has the potential to click in a big way
[Reply]
What nationality is Martinez? is he American? Canadian? Bogosian is Armenian born in New York,3rd generation, so technically he’s not Armenian , just has an Armenian last name
[Reply]
kingsfanintheD Reply:
December 11th, 2010 at 6:51 am
@TopShelf, Alec is from Rochester Hills, Michigan
[Reply]
Cristobal Reply:
December 11th, 2010 at 3:11 pm
@TopShelf,
He’s american, but I’d guess he’s of Spanish (rather than Latin American) descent.
[Reply]
Martinez will stay. This kid is one of the best skaters you’ll see. He’s an exstremely smart player and he has a heavier shot than you think. He was CCHA offensive defencman of the year at Miami (Ohio), yet he is alo very responsible defensively.
[Reply]
USHA@17 Reply:
December 11th, 2010 at 8:47 am
@kingsfanintheD,
I have to agree. But not to jump to conclusions he sure looked good against the Flames but then again, so did everyone else.
[Reply]
Martinez is your #6 dman. On any other team he is probably a top 4, but with the Kings depth, Muzzin, DD2, Harry, Hickey, Teubert, I’ll stop here because this is sick…A Kings team with this much depth at D, I thought I would never see the day.
[Reply]
@top shelf,martinez is a spanish name,not armenian,same as scott gomez
[Reply]
Horale, Martinez!
[Reply]
Martinez looks so much better than when I saw him 2 seasons ago when TM first got here. Alec Martinez is also showing that the Kings are starting to develop players, rather than simply acquiring talented youngsters with early draft picks. I have criticized our developmental capabilities, but this is sure a bright spot seeing Martinez come in looking much better than he previously had – and, much more mentally prepared.
Good job Kings.
[Reply]