Count me among those who’ve been perplexed by Martin’s play. Aside from lacking a big shot, he’s got all the tools. He’s smart, can skate like the wind, and passes and handles the puck well. I really thought he’d blossom into an All-Star in Pittsburgh.

That’s why I was so surprised when he got off to such a poor start. He started to come on through December and January. But in the first four or five games after the All-Star break I thought he was downright atrocious. He seems to have regained his form after he and Zbynek Michalek were split up.

I’m not sure why Martin’s struggled so at times. With so much emphasis on the attack, playing Dan Bylsma’s up-tempo game no doubt puts an extra burden on the defense to cover holes and gaps, although Martin certainly has the smarts and the speed to do it. Having spent his early years in New Jersey, perhaps he’s more comfortable playing in a structured system. Martin Brodeur tends to freeze the puck and control the tempo more than Marc-Andre Fleury, who tends to keep the puck in play.

Then again, maybe he and Michalek just weren’t a good pairing. Z’s pretty unorthodox, and perhaps Martin needs a partner he can read better. They’ve both improved since being split up.

People seem to forget that Martin had a great season last year. And, they never talk about the good games or great plays he makes this season. Typical when a player is struggling. And, like most defensemen, he will not get the attention deserved when playing well and quietly going about his game, but crucified for mistakes.

When the trade deadline day came and went without a new contract for Gonchar in 2010, it became pretty obvious that we would be shopping for someone to fill his role and help out on the power play come July 1st. I know that Martin became number one on my Free Agency wish list based on watching him play in New Jersey. Watching him last season, and even some this season, you can see how well he can run the PP. He can skate and is not afraid to take the puck in deep while being able to quickly back to the point. But the biggest part of the game is the little things he does, as with many players on this team which is the key to its success. Blocking shots, battles on the boards, screening, etc. He may not have a big shot, but I expect him to get his offensive touch back with his confidence as well. In the meantime, he may not be having the best of seasons, but I’m not ready to hang him out to dry…maybe because I watch for the little things though.

If you’re going to blame him for give aways and odd man rushes, then spread the wealth…our defense as a whole is not what it was when it indestructable last season and there’s blame to be placed on everyone. And, as Krundle points out, it probably shouldn’t start with the guy who is asked to play more minutes than anyone else, often against some of the best players in the league.