Editor In Leaf
Fansided

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

ByNeal 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
4 of 6
Feb 4, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Adam McQuaid (54) fights with Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Matt Martin (15) during the second period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Adam McQuaid (54) fights with Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Matt Martin (15) during the second period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Killing Penalties 

Has Martin succeeded here? 

One of the most misdirected narratives from fans has been about the usage of the fourth line on the penalty kill. This season the top five penalty killing forwards by minutes played are Zach Hyman (188:44 mins), Leo Komorov (140:35 mins) Connor Brown (134:43 mins).

Ben Smith (82:33 mins) and Brian Boyle (58:40 mins mostly on TB). Soshnikov and Martin come in 6th and 7th with 57 and 26 minutes respectively. Therefore, the fourth line wingers have not been a vital part to the Leafs penalty killing success this season.

Answer: No

Is this needed for the rest of the season?

Although Martin was not brought in to kill penalties in the first place, ideally most teams carry  fourth liners who can kill penalties in order to allow other forwards to get some rest.

Home/Editorials