SAN JOSE — As Paul Martin toiled in the minor leagues earlier this season, the text messages he received from hockey friends gave him encouragement in moments of doubt.
Scott Gomez, Jamie Langenbrunner and Keith Ballard all communicated the same message as the veteran defenseman’s NHL career hung in the balance: “stay with it.”
Martin followed the advice and now he’s back with the Sharks, gaining the inside lane over Joakim Ryan for a spot on the team’s blue line just in time for the Stanley Cup playoffs, which kick off Wednesday.
“It was actually really good to hear from those guys.