Porter Martone watch has officially begun for the Philadelphia Flyers.
The Wisconsin Badgers came back from a late two-goal deficit. Michigan State held a 3-1 lead with just over 10 minutes to play after Matt Basgall scored the third goal on the power play. Martone picked up the secondary assist on the goal.
Then, with a tick under 5 minutes to go, the Badgers cut the Spartans’ lead to 3-2. 33 seconds later, a prayer from Madison was answered, as Wisconsin tied it at 3, forcing overtime. With all of the momentum in Wisconsin’s favor, Ben Dexheimer scored just 24 seconds into overtime, ending Michigan State’s season in the Worcester regional final.
It was likely the end of Martone’s collegiate career. His phenomenal freshman campaign ends with 25 goals and 50 assists in 35 total games. At the time of the final horn, Martone’s 25 goals are tied for 2nd among all NCAA skaters. His 25 assists are good for 23rd, and his 50 points are the 6th most among all NCAA players.
Martone averaged 1.43 points per game this season. Not too shabby for a 19-year-old. Now, the Flyers will wait for his decision.
Porter Martone watch begins for the Flyers
With his NCAA season and likely career over, the Flyers have officially opened the Martone watch.
The Flyers’ top prospect is expected to join the organization at some point in the near future. Not counting Saturday’s game in Detroit, Philadelphia has 10 games remaining in its schedule. That includes Sunday’s game at home against the Dallas Stars.
As mentioned earlier on Saturday, a Sunday NHL debut feels a bit aggressive as the targeted date for Martone to join the Flyers. Tuesday, 3/31, at Washington, however, does not seem so far-fetched. If he prefers a home debut, the following home game would be on Thursday, 4/2, against the Detroit Red Wings.
Nonetheless, all eyes shift to when Porter Martone will sign his entry-level contract and join the Philadelphia Flyers. Welcome to Martone Watch.
Read More: PhHN Daily: Flyers Game Day; NCAA Tournament Update; New Look at the Playoff Picture