Martin sets record for hits
New York Islanders left wing Matt Martin collides with Ottawa Senators defenseman Jared Cowen along the boards in the third period. (Feb. 26, 2012) Credit: AP
Matt Martin's name is now in the NHL annals. He was credited with six hits Saturday, giving him 360 for the season. That broke the previous mark of 356 held by the Wild's Cal Clutterbuck.
It's a statistic that's been kept only since 2005-06, so this is not exactly etching a name in the record book alongside Gretzky and Howe. But it's still a testament to Martin's physical game that he's 78 hits ahead of the Kings' Dustin Brown, who sits second.
"I'm really just finishing my checks, and it's something I'll continue to do," Martin said. "It's cool to be in the record book for something. At the same time, I expect myself to be high on that list every year."
Grahame felt prankedJohn Grahame thought his agent was playing a joke on him when he called the retired goaltender Wednesday morning and told him the Islanders were interested in signing him to what amounts to a 10-day contract to finish the season here.
"I was like, 'What's the catch?' " Grahame said after his first game backing up Al Montoya. He wore No. 37. "It's a crazy business. The more even-keeled you can stay, the better off you'll be. It's 10 days, five games, and I'm just going to have fun with it."
Marty Turco signed with the Bruins on March 5 after a stint in Europe and got his second win Saturday, making 19 saves. Sebastian Caron also signed off the street with the Lightning, so Grahame, who was coaching with Sioux City of the U.S. Hockey League and last played in the NHL in 2007-08, is not some sort of cheap Islanders gimmick.
With a game Sunday against the Senators and the Isles officially eliminated, Grahame might not just be riding the pine, either. Montoya is not in the team's future, so the 36-year-old Grahame could get into a game. "If I do, I'll be ready," he said. "If not, I'm perfectly fine with that."
