The secrets to Porter Martone’s instant success with the Flyers

Philadelphia–confluence of philadelphia flyers‘There is abundance of oranges in the home area. It’s also a living timeline, with each fan’s jersey marking a different era in franchise history, from their last Stanley Cup in 1975 to the present. name like clarke, hexagon, lindros, giroux And designer Are on the back.

But Flyers fan Brett Yetter chose the future when purchasing his jersey. He walked into Game 4 of their series against pittsburgh penguins wear the name and number of Porter MartonWho only spent nine regular season games and four playoff games with the Flyers.

Like Yetter, Martone is 19 years old. Unlike many NHL rookies, Martone jumped from the NCAA to the Stanley Cup playoff race and became an instant sensation in Philadelphia.

“I had to get one. I had no expectations from this city in the last 10 years? [Matvei] michkovI got it immediately. Marton, I reached out immediately,” Yetter said. “Just give me hope. I’ll give you the money.”

In fact, Martone has the NHL’s best-selling jersey since the Stanley Cup playoffs began two weeks ago. Those sales increased 1,174% after Martone scored the winning goals in each of his first two playoff games as the Flyers attempted to win their first postseason series since 2020.

“It’s the best time of the year. The stakes are high,” Martone said. “It’s been an exciting time in Philly. And it’s exciting that I get a taste of playoff hockey so early in my career.”

Marton was selected number 6 By the Flyers in June. The native of Peterborough, Ontario, fits the organizational mold: a power forward with the hands of a playmaker and an opposing streak befitting a flyer. Some scouts, analysts and coaches have compared his play to that of one-time NHL MVP corey perryFor both his offensive skills and his propensity for malice.

Craig Button, director of scouting for TSN and former NHL general manager, has always been impressed by Martone’s compete level.

Button said, “What I love about his game is his play. He’s out to win it. Players like him are unique. He plays on his toes. He’ll shoot a puck in the net. He’ll grind on the boards. And he’ll stick it to you. He’s got a lot in common with Corey Perry.” “He’s confident. He’s got attitude.”

Martone comprises the majority. He’s the guy who had 10 points in nine regular season games to help the Flyers reach the playoffs, where he then had three points in four games. Martone is also the man who stuck his tongue out on the Penguins bench, and whose behavior provoked evgeni malkin to hit him in the face and brian rust Pulling Marton’s hair and forcing his head back at the end of Game 4.

Martone said, “I learned how to stay on that good line. I don’t want to be in the penalty box the whole game, because I feel like I’m more valuable on the ice.” “You have to play with that emotion but you can’t go beyond that limit. It has to be at the appropriate time. You just have to manage your emotions.”

His teammates are amazed at how prepared Martone is for the playoff race and the battle for Pennsylvania.

“I think when I was 19, I wasn’t even close to a playoff game. I think a lot of us joke about that,” the forward garnet hathaway Said. “He’s a great kid, and he’s obviously ready for this league. But he doesn’t act like it, doesn’t show it. He’s humble and he wants to learn and he wants to improve. So I don’t think you can put any limits on what he can be.”

martone is now in the nhl Because he felt he was physically and mentally prepared to become a professional.

He said, “I made the jump to the NHL because I felt I was ready. I felt it was my time.” “If I hadn’t done that, I would have stayed at Michigan State for another year.”

Button ranked Martone fourth on his draft board last June. He was confident that he could make an immediate impact with the Flyers because of the path Martone took as a prospect, moving from the Ontario Hockey League to Michigan State this season.

Martone had 98 points in 57 games with the Brampton Steelheads last season, leading to speculation he might play a season of college hockey before joining the Flyers. Michigan State and coach Adam Nightingale were harshly critical of Martone after they saw Gavin McKenna reject him for conference rival Penn State and leave top-line forward Isaac Howard. edmonton oilers.

“I think spending a year at Michigan State helped him a lot as he progressed from playing in junior to junior level. He was ready to take the next step,” Button said. “I think what Porter did this year was ideal for him to come to the Flyers and make an impact.”

Martone credits Nightingale and the Spartans program for helping him hone his game.

“I feel like I’ve really found my identity as a player and what I need to do to be successful,” he said. “Coach Nightingale really forced me to play down hard points, play in front of the net. He said if I want to play at the NHL level, I have to play fast. That’s something I’ve really worked on.”

In the NCAA, Martone faced older, larger and more physical competition. Button felt that having older teammates benefited Marton’s maturity more than playing in Canadian juniors.

“You’re not only maturing physically in college, you’re also maturing socially,” he said. “When you’re around teammates who are a little older, you’re understanding them and you’re understanding yourself.”

Button also felt that the “grind” of college hockey practices and game schedules prepared him for the NHL.

“It’s an advertisement for kids who go and play an NCAA year and then turn pro in March,” Button said. “You don’t have to start pro in October, just wait six months and be ready.”

Flyers GM Daniel Briere said that the time spent at Michigan State was essential to Martone’s development as a person.

“Physically. That was the biggest reason to encourage the NCAA move this season: making a move from the OHL to the NHL. Getting stronger,” he said. “With the amount of time he’s spent in the gym, you can see in his body how it’s changed. He’s almost gone from a teenager to a man.”

When coach Rick Tocquet There was one player on the Flyers, he was a power forward who could score 40 goals while being a physical presence in difficult areas of the ice and often troubling his opponents.

In case you were wondering if he’s a fan of Porter Martone.

Toket said, “Love the child.” “He’s just a hockey player. He loves the game. He’s not afraid to say anything and I love that.”

Tocquet knows which wave of publicity Martone is riding on. Fans speculated his arrival to be a huge trade deadline acquisition. His first dozen games with Philadelphia only increased the hype. Tocquet has praised how he has handled it.

The coach said, “His head isn’t too big. I like that about a 19-year-old kid. It’s not like I had to tell him to calm down. Basically, he seems like a veteran to me.”

“I think what’s important to me is that we know he’s 19 years old, but he doesn’t act like it. He’s a really standout kid. He’s gotten along with people, with the veterans he goes to dinner with, all these guys. You can just tell. He’s got a great personality. And that’s why I love him.”

The Flyers have one of the youngest rosters heading into the postseason. At the core of experienced players – Captain sean couturierAhead travis konecny and protector travis sanheim Among them – those tasked with helping less experienced players assimilate.

Cheater denver barkeyThe 21-year-old played 43 games in the regular season. He has competed against Martone throughout his “whole life”, including in Canadian Juniors when Barkey played for the OHL London Knights.

“He’s always been very special. Ever since he got drafted here, I’ve been able to see how much he loves the game, how much passion he has for it,” Barkey said. “Also his work ethic, just working on little things after practice, stuff like that. So I mean, it’s not surprising he’s doing that.”

Barkey said the Flyers’ veterans made him feel “at home” on the team.

He recalled, “Before my first game, my teammates were telling me, ‘Go out there, play your game. Don’t worry about creating turnovers. Just go out there, have fun, enjoy it.’ “I think these little things go a long way. You’re a little nervous and don’t know what to expect. And I know they did the same with Porter.”

Couturier, who has been the Flyers’ captain for the past three seasons, admitted he hasn’t had to deal with Martone a lot.

He added, “He’s a mature kid and he knows the game well. He’s responsible on both sides of the game and there’s not really much to tell him.” “You just want to make sure he’s staying in the moment and not thinking too far ahead. It’s all about the moment. I’m sure he’s enjoying it.”

game

Porter Martone’s goal puts Flyers on the board

Porter Martone’s goal puts Flyers on the board

Even though their present is impressive – the Flyers are still poised to advance from the first round against the Penguins, leading the series 3-1 – it’s hard not to think about the future in Philadelphia. Those Flyers players are entering their prime Trevor Zegras (25), cam york (25), tyson foster (24) and jamie drysdale (24). Behind them is an incredible level of talent led by Marton (19), Mitchkov (21), Barky (21). oliver bonk (21) and others.

Whatever happens after this season, the experience some of these players are getting will be vital for the Flyers to mature into a Stanley Cup contender. This is especially true for Martone.

Briere said earlier this season, “We’re not expecting Porter to be a savior. Far from it. For us, it’s giving him a chance to grow and play some meaningful games.”

As others have said, Martone has handled his arrival in the NHL with surprising maturity and efficiency.

“I think you forget his age, the way he handles himself, the way he prepares, the way he talks about his game,” Hathaway said. “You forget how a 19-year-old can be like that. And it’s a testament to how he was brought up and the people around him.”

But there’s a part of Martone that’s still the rookie drafted last June, the one who grew up crazy about hockey and now finds himself trying to win a Stanley Cup playoff series. Sidney Crosby. He’s a professional, and he plays like a professional. But sometimes, the 19-year-old comes through.

“You dream of playing in the NHL,” Martone said, “and now you’re living it.”