To add some first hand knowledge on how game used pucks are handled ( especially during playoffs and finals), let me start with this:
Every single puck used during the finals is tape wrapped once they are switched out by either the referees or the off- ice offials.... This is done approx after 2-3 minutes of ice time, as the league wants to ensure that the pucks remain frozen while in play. A new frozen puck located in the visitors penalty box is then given to the referee....the recently " game used puck is rapped in tape and put aside to be turned into the NHL..
Extra scrutiny and attention is paid to "goal" pucks" in which the number of the player is written on the tape. They are very carefully monitored by the NHL...
The chance that this puck is the puck scored by Martinez is virtually 0.... Although "puck wear" is normally what someone would look for, I've seen many pucks that were recently switched out that have almost none.. However, the puck would be wrapped, noted by an official and sent directly to the NHL...
My educated guess is that is, is in a fact an actual puck that was in the penalty box during game 5, however it was never used, and thus, given out to any number of people... We call these "game pucks or " game night pucks, contrary to " game-used" the COI is almost certainly referencing its authenticity as an authentic game puck signed by Martinez....
