Vegas Golden Knights: Debut joy, Martinez red hot, other takeaways

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 26: Nick Cousins #21 of the Vegas Golden Knights scores a third-period power-play goal against Mikko Koskinen #19 of the Edmonton Oilers during their game at T-Mobile Arena on February 26, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Golden Knights defeated the Oilers 3-0. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 26: Nick Cousins #21 of the Vegas Golden Knights scores a third-period power-play goal against Mikko Koskinen #19 of the Edmonton Oilers during their game at T-Mobile Arena on February 26, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Golden Knights defeated the Oilers 3-0. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 20: Alec Martinez #23 of the Vegas Golden Knights warms up before a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at T-Mobile Arena on February 20, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Golden Knights defeated the Lightning 5-3. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 20: Alec Martinez #23 of the Vegas Golden Knights warms up before a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at T-Mobile Arena on February 20, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Golden Knights defeated the Lightning 5-3. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

2. Martinez’s explosive start

Prior to being traded to the Vegas Golden Knights on Feb. 19, Alec Martinez was enduring a down year with the LA Kings.

In addition to ranking low in a number of metrics, Martinez also dried up from an offensive production standpoint.

Through 41 games this year, the 32-year-old was a -9 with one goal and seven assists for eight points for the Kings with no primary helpers.

However, a change of scenery has seemed to work wonders for Martinez who is now averaging 1.50 Points Per Game for the Golden Knights.

While that level of production probably won’t last, Martinez seems to have really found his game on a much better and more polished roster.

And he was stellar against the Oilers, recording his first two primary assists of the year to make it six points (two goals, four assists) in just four games for the Golden Knights.

Martinez was also solid in his own zone and he finished the night with a +1 rating, four shots on goal, three hits, four blocked shots and one takeaway in 24:18 minutes of total ice time.

It has been a hugely impressive start to life as a Vegas Golden Knight for Alec Martinez, and both parties will be hoping that this is just the start.