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Toronto Maple Leafs: Is Matt Martin Needed For The Last Fourteen Games?

By Neal DeRosa

Jan 31, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars defenseman Stephen Johns (28) checks Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Matt Martin (15) during the second period at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 31, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars defenseman Stephen Johns (28) checks Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Matt Martin (15) during the second period at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 15, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Ryan Murray (27) defends against Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Matt Martin (15) in front of Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Joonas Korpisalo (70) in the first period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 15, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Ryan Murray (27) defends against Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Matt Martin (15) in front of Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Joonas Korpisalo (70) in the first period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Shot Suppression & Defensive Zone Starts. 

Has Martin succeeded thus far? 

Despite playing the majority of the season with defensive black holes, Ben Smith and Frederik Gauthier, Martin has done a great job. In fact, he boasts the best numbers on the team in terms of shot attempts against plus the numbers show that he carried Smith and Gauthier both in terms of shot and goal suppression. The WOWY’s for Smith are specifically noticeable, as Smith has allowed 1.41 goals against per 60 minutes with Martin on the ice, but 4.71 goals without him.

In addition, he has started 38.3% of all situation 5v5 faceoffs in his own end with only 19.2% in the offensive zone. Safe to say, Babcock and company should to be happy with Martin’s defensive work thus far this season.

Answer: Yes

Is this needed for the rest of the season

Of course it is. If Martin does stay in the lineup down the stretch, this aspect of his game will be welcomed and should continue to help the Maple Leafs.

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