Why the bashing of Martin before the season even starts?

[thepittman]

Give the guy a chance, it's a new season for everyone. Who knows why he was off last year, but that doesn't necessitate a continued lackluster performance. Kick some ass this year Martin!

[DelPen]

Is this post from August 2011?

[thepittman]

Is this post from August 2011?

This is January 2013 bro, new beginnings and all that ****

[shafnutz05]

I think a lot of the emphasis on criticism of Martin has to do with the buyout clause

[TheHammer24]

A global comment:

When you focus all of the Penguins' problems on one person, a so-called whipping boy, you appear less knowledgeable than the posters that possess a more nuanced view of the team and its problems. Along those lines, rash responses like "Martin Sucks" or "AHHH Martin," carry a lot less weight than "Martin needs to adapt to X" or "We don't have a replacement for Martin."

To the extent you're interested in preserving or creating credibility, "player bashing" is not the way to go. It also generally brings down the quality of the board and makes people run away.

[Idoit40fans]

Martin sucks, and while I can't blame him for signing it, he should adapt to being bashed for signing a deal that overpays him.

[mikey287]

Gotta nuke somethin'...

[thepittman]

I think a lot of the emphasis on criticism of Martin has to do with the buyout clause

Well that is assumed, but the beginning of the season isn't the time for the shark tank.

I also thought the amnesty only went into affect after this season? Seems a little early to put the crosshairs on anyone.

[helmespc]

This year, everyone sucks until proven otherwise....

[mikey287]

This year, everyone sucks until proven otherwise....

It's January and we're winless...

And yes...the amnesty buyouts are next summer, not next week...like I said, that would be my signature if the board had them enabled haha...

[lemieuxReturns]

Give the guy a chance, it's a new season for everyone. Who knows why he was off last year, but that doesn't necessitate a continued lackluster performance. Kick some ass this year Martin!

Not sure why people somehow forget that he was not great the year before last either. People have a legit reason to gripe over him still being a penguin. However, you are right... this is a new year and he is still a penguin, so we should all allow him to start over and see what he can do. But his leash should be short. Of the two, Z was the lesser of two evils.

[cheesesteakwithegg]

Does each team get 2 buyouts next summer? And is that the only time these buyouts are in effect? Or will they be in subsequent off-seasons (i.e. summer of 2014)?

[Idoit40fans]

It would just be 2 for next summer, it wouldn't carry beyond. Its just to get in compliance with the new cap.

[Troy Loney]

Is that a rhetorical question?

[Penspal]

Shero stated in the paper that Martin admittedly had a bad year and that Martin feels he can play better.

After 10 games in a 48 game schedule, we'll likely have informed opinions

[penny lane]

martin has never been great. 1st year here , he needed time to adjust to blysma system. wasn't very good against tampa in play-offs. His play must not fit blysma system. ?

[cheesesteakwithegg]

It would just be 2 for next summer, it wouldn't carry beyond. Its just to get in compliance with the new cap.

That is what I thought, as it makes the most sense.

[shmenguin]

1) hockey's back. Time to discuss
2) the buyout isn't until next year, but its still a reasonable discussion point now, since its a fun new wrinkle
3) Martin is the player who needs to improve the most (there's fleury, but that's complicated). 4) Who else is that interesting? Seems like our team is made up of consistent commodities or young guys that people know nothing about.

That makes him a hot topic. I agree that there are hollow arguments surrounding the guy, but he's a significant puzzle piece right now.

[darkstar57]

because the board must have its..... precious

errr i mean Whipping Boy, been watching too Much Lord of the Rings/Hobbit movies lately

[Kharlamov]

I think a lot of the emphasis on criticism of Martin has to do with the buyout clause

I think a lot of the criticism of Martin has to do with Martin

[shafnutz05]

I think a lot of the emphasis on criticism of Martin has to do with the buyout clause

I think a lot of the criticism of Martin has to do with Martin

lol, I am not even saying I disagree with most of the criticism, but I think it is being renewed with fresh vigor at the prospect of a contract buyout.

[columbia]

I think a lot of the emphasis on criticism of Martin has to do with the buyout clause

I think a lot of the criticism of Martin has to do with Martin

lol, I am not even saying I disagree with most of the criticism, but I think it is being renewed with fresh vigor at the prospect of a contract buyout.

There's blood in the water n'at.

[Kharlamov]

I think a lot of the emphasis on criticism of Martin has to do with the buyout clause

I think a lot of the criticism of Martin has to do with Martin

lol, I am not even saying I disagree with most of the criticism, but I think it is being renewed with fresh vigor at the prospect of a contract buyout.

Agreed. It will help fan the flames

[Sarcastic]

When people criticize a player it is because he isn't performing as expected. That goes for any athlete and comes with the territory of being an athlete.

Hard to see that Martin would magically transform from his often sucky form into a more dependable player, but this break is good for a guy like Martin, as it allows him to reflect and have a fresh start. I'll be rooting for him again, but I'm keeping my eyes open and would like to see some improvement.

[BigMcK]

I expect Martin to play like Martin wants to play here type of player. Maybe the shortened season will benefit him in not taking a beating for a whole season.