Inside a Stanley Cup Mindset: Alec Martinez on Vegas, Marner, and Playoff Hockey

John Shannon and Daren Millard are joined by three-time Stanley Cup champion Alec Martinez on 100% Hockey. Martinez discusses his analysis work with AM Rewind before diving into the current Stanley Cup Playoffs, including the Vegas Golden Knights’ push to the Western Conference Final. He shares insight into what makes Vegas difficult to play against and how experienced teams manage long playoff runs. The conversation also focuses on standout performances from Mitch Marner and Brett Howden, with Martinez breaking down Marner’s elite playmaking ability and the chemistry developing between the two players. They also discuss one of the more underrated challenges of the postseason — handling long breaks between series — and how teams try to maintain momentum while staying fresh. Plus, Martinez shares a lighter story from the COVID bubble involving his playoff beard, before the group wraps up with thoughts on coaching decisions and playoff goaltending. A conversation packed with perspective from someone who’s lived through nearly every kind of playoff situation imaginable.