SAN JOSE -- Unsung hero Paul Martin could prove to be one of the most valuable pieces on the chessboard in the Stanley Cup Final.
Like every playoff series, blue line depth is going to play a key role in determining the outcome of hockey's top showcase this year, and by signing Martin during the offseason, the Sharks didn't just bolster their backend, they took an instrumental cog out of the Pittsburgh Penguins defensive machine."Paul's a pain in the (butt) to play against," Sharks' forward Joel Ward said. "I've played against him in the past, as soon as you turn around, he's right there in front of your face.