Martinez holding down a spot

Davis Drewiske and Peter Harrold have both been healthy scratches from the last 13 games, but that’s more of a reflection on the play of rookie defenseman Alec Martinez — and the fortunate health of the other defensemen — than anything else. Martinez joined the Kings on Nov. 23, went right into the lineup and hasn’t come out since. He has only eight points in 33 games but has been solid, with an overall plus-minus rating of even, and hasn’t been whistled for a penalty in his last 17 games. Given that Martinez is essentially filling the role of sixth defenseman — in a pairing with Matt Greene — it’s hard to ask much more than that. Here’s what Terry Murray had to say about the 23-year-old defenseman…

MURRAY: “It’s really nice for the organization, to see a guy who has come through the development process over the years and sticking in there. We really like his game. He brings a lot in the skill department. He does a great job in his 1-on-1. He has very strong legs. He’s able to pin guys and seal guys off, and I see his game taken up to the next level in just about every game that he has played. And he’s breaking through on the emotional part of the game, which has always been the stop sign for him. Now he’s breaking through.”