Yeah, I like Martin. Really thought he did a tremendous job with the Sens back in the early 2000s. Really really smart hockey guy, and knows the league, game, schemes inside out. Also knows how to play lockdown defense, and have high octane offense. He's a match-ups guru. Sometimes to a fault with Radek Bonk back in the day. I think he's smart enough to cover a lot of ground, and that's what you want to see. A veteran guy who has his wits about him, and knows the league.
I thought the Canes really game planned well for Zibs and Bread. Both guys were a bit of a no show, but I was disappointed with the match-ups, and you had two horses in Slavin and Staal out there. There needed to be shifts where it wasn't the Aho or Staal line versus the Rangers top 6, who were clearly outclassed.
I've already posted about my other concerns from the series, but I think the Rangers are doing well here by going with a good veteran option here. The Ruff hiring in NJ came as a surprise to many, but seeing the A/B test with the Carolina series, it makes me re-think who was really managing the ice-time and games last year. So going with another high end safety valve is a good move.
Would still like to see more additions. Would be a good thing imo to have a "grinders" coach, a la Oates and his skill development. A John Madden type who can pass on a lot of wisdom. I liked the effort a guy like Howden brought in the playoffs, but he was chasing it because he was behind the play. For a kid like him, this was great experience, but that experience can be bought and paid for as well. The Rangers should have that as a competitive advantage without a second question imo. This doesn't have to be a bench role at all. But kind of like Bennie, but for guys who are getting their share of defensive match-ups and situational play (4v6, 5v6, 4v5, 3v5, 3v4). I think a move like this will help guys settle into their roles, and settle the line-up and organization into giving you the right type of minutes that win you hockey games.
