Alec Martinez was recalled by the Kings on November 24th last season and scored a goal in his NHL season debut. He came into last night having played 13 games this season without a point.
Earlier this season, coach Terry Murray even had him sit out the game in Philadelphia, marking him down as a healthy scratch. Thus, you can understand the huge outburst of excitement he displayed when scoring the first goal of the game last night vs. Nashville.
Afterwards, he spoke about his performance, as well as what the Kings had been dealing with in the prior 48 hours.
On his first goal of the season – “It feels really good to finally get that monkey off my back. It was a good effort by everyone all around tonight and we had contributions from four different guys, which is good. So, we’re happy with the win.”
On the team meeting yesterday morning with coach Murray – “We definitely got into penalty trouble (on Monday vs. the Sharks) and that added to (our problems), considering San Jose is a great power play team. They feed off that. It was definitely something we came into with a focus today and I thought we did a good job.”
More on the meeting – “It was about getting back to playing LA Kings hockey. We obviously got away from that in the second and third period (vs. the Sharks on Monday). So, we had a quick turn around, that’s the best thing about hockey, you always another one the next night. I think we did a good job (vs. the Predators).”
On playing three games in four nights – “That’s what you train for in the off-season. Obviously, that becomes a factor. I’m not saying that three games in four nights is easy. But, it’s part of the game. You just have to adjust accordingly and take care of your body.”
Other post-game comments can be found at the links below.
The Mayor
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
RELATED ARTICLES:
Murray concerned about Bernier, but he ‘sucked it up’
Dustin Penner talks Fight Club after game vs. Preds, his best as a King
Post-game comments from the Nashville Predators locker room
