BRODEUR NETS CAREER SHUTOUT #100

Just three games back from the longest layoff of his career, Martin Brodeur registered his 100th career shutout. Brodeur returned from his elbow injury on February 26th, and in the three games, he has allowed a grand total of two goals. Even those were only allowed after the Devils took a 5-0 lead on Saturday against the Panthers. With the 100th shutout, Brodeur is three away from the all-time record held by Terry Sawchuk (103). He is also four wins away from tying Patrick Roy for the all-time wins record.

Brodeur has been one of my favorites ever since I started watching hockey in the early 90s. At just 10 years old, I remember being devastated when the New Jersey Devils lost Games 6 & 7 to the New York Rangers in the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals. The Devils wouldn't be held without a championship for long though as they won the next year, and over the next 14 years, they have added two more. The 2000 Stanley Cup Finals victory over the Dallas Stars might have been the most exciting hockey I've ever seen.

The question now is where Marty ranks among the all-time greatest goaltenders. I'm far from a hockey expert, but I believe it comes down to Brodeur and Patrick Roy. Brodeur will soon have more wins and trumps Roy in shutouts recorded. His save percentage has been better overall as well, and up until this year, Brodeur has been an iron man. He has started more games per season than any goalie in NHL history. However, Roy has one more championship, and has three Conn Smythe Trophies to Brodeur's none. At the moment, I would give Roy the tiebreaker with him besting Brodeur in the 2001 Stanley Cup Finals.

That could change though as I feel Brodeur has a great chance to match Roy and win his fourth championship this season. The Devils have always had a great defense, and that is no different this season. That defense will also keep Brodeur from being overtaxed. I believe the Devils also have the best offense they have ever have. Zach Parise is an absolute stud. He scored a couple unbelievable goals over the last week. Brian Rolston was a great pickup from Minnesota, and the supposting cast is very good. I believe you will see the Devils represent the East in the Stanley Cup Finals. I don't believe in the Bruins, and while a war with Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals would be a great series, I think the Devils will get by. I'm not sure they will beat the Western Conference representive, as they have three serious championship contenders in the Red Wings, Sharks, and Blackhawks, but it should be a very special postseason for New Jersey.

But once again, congrats to Martin Brodeur for reaching an incredible milestone. He has quietly been one of best athletes in the New York City area ever. Hopefully, he'll get some kudos from the NYC media over the next couple weeks as he goes for the wins and shutout records.

Pat Morgan