Luck of the Irish: Martin Will Play Tonight

by Steve Lepore on Mar 17, 2010 11:51 AM EDT in Site News & Miscellaneous

According to Tom Gulitti, Devils defenseman Paul Martin will return to the lineup for tonight's game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. It'll be the first time since October 24th, coincidentally against the Penguins, when Martin took a shot in the forearm from Bill Guerin. Mark Fraser and Anssi Salmela will sit out tonight, as Jersey's Team's best defenseman is finally back in his rightful spot.

"It's been a long time coming," Martin said. "It's just exciting to be around the guys and get back in there and play a game. I'm trying not to get too excited, but I think it will be fun."

Martin had a brief chat on the ice at the end of the morning skate with Devils coach Jacques Lemaire, who skated over to him to discuss whether he would play tonight.

"He asked how I felt and I said, ‘good' and that was about it," Martin said.

Lemaire said it was essentially Martin's decision that he would play tonight.

"He made it," Lemaire said. "That's how it works. He's just got to come and say I'‘m playing and he plays."

Lemaire said that Martin "probably" would not play in Thursday's game in Toronto, but left open the possibility of changing his mind depending on how Martin plays and feels after the game tonight.

If that isn't the Devil way, I don't know what is. In other injury news related to tonight's game, Pensburgh mentioned yesterday that Evgeni Malkin may not play, and that enforcer Eric Godard may return to the lineup for tonight's game. Also, Jay Pandolfo will tap in for PL3 on the Jersey side. With all the buzz surrounding tonight's game and the emotional boost from the return of Paul Martin, tonight is shaping up to be a pretty must-see atmosphere at the Prudential Center.

UPDATE: Malkin will not, in fact, play tonight.

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This would mean, if I’m not mistaken, that for the very first time this season, the Devils would be playing with a full line-up of expected starters.

by elesias on Mar 17, 2010 12:13 PM EDT reply actions

I believe you are correct, sir. With Elias being out at the beginning of the season, this will be the very first time that everyone is actually healthy this season.

"We aim above the mark to hit the mark." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson

by Tim G on Mar 17, 2010 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Good timing on my part

by undersuspicion426 on Mar 17, 2010 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions

YES!!!

I dont care if Martin only plays 3rd string minutes. This game will be a good start to him regaining all he’s lost (if he’s even lost anything at all) and hopefully he’ll be 100% by the playoffs.

by skly27 on Mar 17, 2010 12:43 PM EDT reply actions

GREAT!

Awesome news cant wait for this game

by NJDevilsSteve on Mar 17, 2010 12:44 PM EDT reply actions

Paul Martin? I never heard of him...is he good?

He has been gone so long I feel like this is just a delayed trade deadline acquisition. Let’s see how this new fellow fits into our defensive system…shall we? Fairly excited about the old uniforms (as cliche and silly as it is..on St. Pats day no less) although the idea of seeing the old…let’s face it….quite ugly uniforms…in HI DEF is really quite a hilarious contrast of ideas. Till then…

by HELLAWAITS on Mar 17, 2010 1:06 PM EDT reply actions