Paul Martin hasn't played a game for the Pittsburgh Penguins since February 7. As if the Pittsburgh Penguins hadn't been struggling enough with injuries throughout their 2013-14 campaign, the American defenseman sustained a broken hand while playing in the Winter Olympics in Sochi.
Even with the NHL season frozen, the Penguins still managed to find ways to lose players. That's been the common thread that has woven their season together, though, and they have still managed to crack the 100-point barrier.
Another division title also appears to be in hand, and Pittsburgh is getting healthy just in time for the postseason. Kris Letang has skated and is in control of when he returns. Martin had been doing the same thing for a few days now, and he's declared himself ready to come back.
Will the 33-year-old key a turnaround for a squad that has been playing and looking quite average over the last three or four weeks? On his own he can't, but the ripple effect that his rebound could have certainly could.
It's no secret that Olli Maatta and Matt Niskanen have gone from depth defenders to top-four stapl ...
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Article written by Franklin Steele
How Paul Martin’s Return Impacts Pittsburgh Penguins
April 3rd, 2014 by Franklin Steele Leave a reply »
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