Alec Martinez is a key part to the Kings D-core. Although he is overshadowed by Drew Doughty, he has his place on this team. The 4th round pick 995th overall) in the 2007 draft has been a solid player for the kings, elevating his play every year. He was the first NHL defenseman to score a clinching goal in two seperate playoff series in the same season, which included the overtime winner in game 5 against the New York Rangers, clinching the Stanley Cup for the Kings in 2014. The goal was scored on a rebound between the crease and slot.
Never known to be Norris trophy candidate or lead the league in points he is known for taking care of his own end and producing in the offensive zone when the time presents itself. In 64 career playoff games he has scored 6 goals, 10 assists for 16 points and is a -1. For the regular season his career stats are 496 games, 57 goals, 115 assists for 172 points and a +34, pretty good stats for a defensemen who does not have any award consideration. On November 24, 2010 he scored his first NHL goal against the Montreal Canadiens.
During the strike shortened season of the 2012-13 season, Martinez signed a contract to play for TPS Turku on October 5, 2012 as a free agent. He then signed on to play for the Allen Americans of the CHL on December 31, 2012 , scoring 1 goal and 1 assists in 3 games. the 6-1 215 lb defensemen has been a regular top 4 defensemen the past 4 seasons for the Kings, playing a big part in the teams success. He is more of an offensive player and not known for big hits or physical play but he is very sound in his own end. In 2013-14 he led all Kings defensemen in goals with 11, one ahead of Drew Doughty. He remains to be a steady force in the back end and time will only tell when he gets the recognition he deserves. Will a Norris Trophy be in his future? Time will tell.
(Stats:NHL.com)
(Photo:Dailynews.com)
