10 Tidbits on Alec Martinez

Alec Martinez won't subtly return to the NHL tonight. He'll be joining a Kings team that's lost four of their last five games.

He'll also be facing some small little club you may have heard of, the Montreal Canadiens. Outside of Toronto, it may just be the most hockey crazed market in North America.

Fortunately for him, with just four games of NHL experience, he'll probably go under the radar for most of the local media. Besides, their big story heading into the game is named Jonathan Bernier.

Using our popular 10 Tidbits format, here is some information to help you get to know the newest addition to the Kings blueline this season...

* First off, you'll be glad to know his nickname isn't 'Ally.' According to Corey Elkins, his teammate in Manchester (AHL), they call him 'Marty.' After it was announced Martinez would join the team this week I asked Elkins about his recent play with the Monarchs and he said "Marty has been awesome on the power play for us. He takes smart shots that get through traffic and moves the puck real well. Its fun to watch." Coach Terry Murray is probably hoping he'll be fun to watch for the Kings!

* He's spent the last two years with Manchester, sans his brief time in LA last season. His rookie year in the AHL (2008-09) he posted eight goals and added 15 assists in 72 games. Then, last season, he led all defenseman with 30 points (7g, 23a...while playing in only 55 games!). Prior to his call up yesterday he was a plus-four in 20 games and his 16 points (5g, 11a) were leading ALL players on the team.

High / Low Season Review with... the Mayor

Over the past six months a myriad of hockey personalities have stopped by with their opinions on the Kings and the NHL as a whole.  Names like Luc Robitaille, Jeremy Roenick, Mike Modano, Marcel Dionne, Jim Fox and many, many more.

Today, it's my turn.  The Mayor weighs in with his thoughts on the 2009-10 Kings season.  So, here we go...

HIGHS

* Drew Doughty - Nearly every game Kings fans and coaches are probably pinching themselves and asking 'Is he really only 20 years old?' He was amazing as a rookie and didn't experience the dreaded sophomore slump. In fact, he got better. The Olympics were invaluable to his learning experience and the Norris Trophy nomination was the icing on the cake to a great second season for DD.

* 101 Points - Hockey experts picked this team 7th, 8th or out of the playoffs.  To cross the century mark in points was fabulous for a team that is just now starting to come together.  You can see the potential in the core group of players...the potential that Dean Lombardi has been talking about the last three seasons.  If there was any knock on the regular season, it's the loss of points that could have been.  When a team gives up a point in a game coaches like to say 'it all evens out over the course of the year'.  By my count it didn't balance out after 82 games.  The Kings gave away about four more points than they stole.  Getting just one of those points would have meant a different match up in the playoffs.  However, I know...coulda, shoulda, woulda.