Brodeur: The Best

This is an article I wrote over two years ago about Martin Brodeur. I figure since I have no entries right now I'd throw this one in to give me something.

Martin Brodeur is the best goaltender in the NHL. There, I've said it, and I believe it. Yes I am a Devils fan, and yes I may be a bit biased, but if anyone were to know the true value of such a player, it is a hard core Devils fan like myself. Ok, so I guess many of you already believe Brodeur is the best goalie in the league, but I want to let everyone know why he is, and why he should be considered an elite of all time. Marty has been the most valuable player on the New Jersey roster the past 10 years. He has put up consistent stats year after year yet still failed to get any recognition until after Patrick Roy retired. So this thread is dedicated to Martin Brodeur, and how he has affected the game of hockey over the past decade.

1993-1994. The Devils were a perenial good team who failed in the playoffs. In fact, before that season, the Devils had lost in the first round of the playoffs for four consecutive years. That season Marty stepped in for Chris Terreri, and brought them within one wrap around of a Finals appearence. He won the Calder Trophy, and bought some hope to a uncompetitive team. The following season, the Devils' organization was at a crossroads; without a spark in the franchise, the Devils would be moving the following season (most thought to Nashville). That season the Devils infamous 'trap' was used, and the Devils won the Stanley Cup in which they swept the heavily favored Red Wings. Brodeur was instrumental on that defensive minded team. Without him, there might not be a New Jersey hockey team anymore.

Throughout the late 1990's, Brodeur was an unrecognized elite NHL goalie. He lead the league in GAA a few times (1.88 and 1.89) and would've had a few more Vezinas if it were'nt for Hasek's amazing play. Brodeur also had many wins. Many many wins. His consistency and lack of injuries during this time has put him in position to have the ability to retire as the all time win leader. That brings up another topic, when was the last time you heard about Brodeur fighting through an injury? Never, That's when. Broduer has had as many major injuries as Patrick Ewing has championships. Maybe a slight strain, but nothing that put him out of action for an extended period of time. This guy is a machine.

I could go on about his three Stanley Cups, two Vezina trophies, four Jennings trophies, his Calder trophy, eight All Star game appearences, 403 career wins, 84 playoff wins, 75 shutouts, 20 playoff shutouts, his Canadian gold medal, his world hockey championship, his playoff goal, his passing ability, and his down right goaltending skill, but I would probably end up rambling.

But enough about his awards and statistics, what really amazes me about this guy is his personality. NHL goalies are perhaps the weirdest group of athletes you will ever know. Some need to be center attention, while others stay isolated from the media the best they can. Crazy can even be an adjective to describe a few. Patrick Roy and Ed Belfor will never be accused of having the most "sane" personality in hockey. Marty is completely different though. You could have a great conversation with him the morning of a game, and not even talk about hockey. He is as laid back as they come off the ice, and as focused as ever on the ice. I am sure he would not refuse an interview, even if his team lost. Do you remember the 2003 Stanley Cup Finals? Brodeur gave up the worst goal I have ever witnessed in my life. The Ducks went to dump in the puck to the side of the net, and when Brodeur went to handle it, the puck hit part of his stick, bounced through his legs, and into the goal. I am sure you remember it now. After the game, he was asked how he felt about the goal. Generally, there are two kinds of responses someone would expect. "Well the puck took a bad bounce, and my stick slipped out of my hand, and it found its way in." Also, "It was my fault and I take responsibility for the goal, end of story." Which quote did Brodeur give? Neither. Here was the summery of his quote: "Those kind of things happen in hockey. Sure it happened at a bad time but it's not something that will ruin a series for us." He even had a chuckle about it. Martin Brodeur was human, yet he just took it in stride, and never let it linger in his mind. The Devils did win the cup that series.

I could still go on about the amazing career Marty has had through age 33, but I also realize he faces some criticism, and I would like to address some of what is said about him.
"He has a low save percentage." - First of all, Brodeur does not have a low save percentage. 91%-92% is great for any goalie, and that is where his career average falls. (He has had a couple higher and lower for a season). You can point out though that there are some goalies who have save percentages in the upper 92%. The explanation is simple. The Devils have always been a great defensive team, and have usually been a league leader in least shots allowed on goal. Brodeur does not see that as many shots during a game then most goalies, and when he sees one, it must be a good one if it beat the Devils defense. So essentially, Brodeur sees a small quantity of shots, but with most of those being high quality chances. And lets face it, he can't stop them all. With those factors in mind, his save percentage will never lead the league, and it does not fairly represent his ability as compared with other goalies.
"Hes been lucky to play with a good defensive team." - In a sense, yes, he has played on a good defensive team. But his ability has allowed his defense to play fearlessly, because if they screw up, Brodeur is there to save them. Additionally, you can make the arguement that the Devils allow few goals purely because Brodeur is in net.

Overall, I just wanted to let everyone know about the Martin Brodeur Devils fans have come to love. We love him for his skill, his personality, and his ability to come up with that huge clutch save. For years Brodeur was overlooked, and I believe that only with Roy's retirement came the due respect for Brodeur that we have for him today. So does anyone have any opinions about this? I did not even compare Roy and Brodeur in this article. I just mentioned that they are comparable. So I would like to know if they are comparable in everyone's opinion, and if Brodeur is one of the best of all time. I'll probably post something later about how he compares directly with Roy and other greats.