A warning at the start: I didn't get to watch the game live or go to Newark so I may have missed some of the fun minutia catching Rangers in 60 - feel free to fill me in in the comments below. My observations are pretty much chronological as I don't have a lotta time tonight; my sincerest apologies. So let's get going:
*Sean got the Rangers into the game by grappling with David Clarkson. I don't know about you but I cringed. Why should our sparkplug take on a second-class citizen as Clarkson? I know the history, but still, he really isn't worth it. *The first Devils goal really, really bothered me. The Rangers stretched themselves out and lost their coverage, with Dan Girardi probably the biggest culprit by ranging out from the slot, allowing Dainius Zubrus to slide in and score.
*Kudos to Scott Gomez for a pretty solid game. I loved watching him get booed for almost a solid minute as he skated around the ice with the puck killing a penalty. It was beautiful, beautiful!
*I have to tell you that it is annoying to try to avoid watching the bottom line with scores going across. They really shouldn't do that as folks like me are watching because we didn't get to see it. Catching the score takes away from the fun of it.
*You could hear the Newark crowd doing the classic whistle with their "Rangers Suck" in place of the traditional "Potvin Sucks". Why do they insist on making it a rivalry? Don't they know they don't count? They are barely a real franchise ... they win Cups and celebrate by driving around a parking lot. They helped kill the game with boring hockey and their fans barely show up to games. If it wasn't for Maaaaaaaarrrrrrrty, no one would care about them at all.
*Whoever did the cut for Rangers in 60 should be shot. I know its a quick turnaround and all, but what a disjointed edit job. There were few replays and cuts in the middle of play.
*Yet another game Colton Orr played, yet another game I found his presence pointless. Its really nice to think of Hollweg and Prucha wasting away, especially Pru as he did a ton of rehab for his shoulder so he certainly needs to get some game action in before the playoffs.
*And what a great bonus it is for us to have Chris Drury on our roster for those playoffs (if we make it, I won't presume that we are assured of a spot yet. Dru got a great goal to tie the game with five minutes left after Ryan Callahan's deft work captivated two Devils and left Dru alone at the far post to bang in the equalizer. *Was Dancin' Larry there??? With less than a minute left the Devils game crew played his song during the Rangers time out ... How awesome would that be to see him dance in their building? That would be an incredible slap in the face.
*I didn't see Backman or Malik make any egregious mistakes. Backman looked useless on the power play, but as I said, it was hard to tell watching the edited game. Somehow Backman got 25:46 of ice time, a Rangers high. Insanity.
*And on that note - Rangers power play was 0-4. Another game, another donut with the man down. hey, remember that Jagr guy? He used to be good on the power play. What ever happened to him?
*Damn Rangers in 60 cut from Drury's goal to the last minute so I can't tell if they actually tried to win the game or were skating for the point. It looked like they went for it, which would be a nice change from the norm.
*And we are in a shootout, nice. Shanny went for what has been his fallback move of a wrist shot and waited too long so Maaaaaaaarrrrrty was able to make the stop. Luckily Maaaaaaaaaarrrrrty fell for Dawesie's silly little fake so we got a goal. Cally was too fast for his own good and Hank did his job, standing tall against the midgets the Devils threw at him to seal the win. What a beautiful thing. We just might be able to pull this off?!?!? Still a lot of important games left.
*PHW Three Stars
3-Chris Drury - one goal.
2-Dainius Zubrus - one goal.
1-Maaaaaaaarrrrrrrrty - 20 saves in a loss. That's just screwed up.
Scotty Hockey Three Stars3-Hank - 17 saves in the game and three in the skills competition to get the win.
2-Callahan/Dawes/Dubinsky - Only Dawes scored, and that was in the shootout, but all three were flying and pressing the action.
1-Drury - the Little Leaguer, Captain America, Captain Clutch ... whatever you want to call him, Dru is the man when it comes down to the wire and his performance of late justifies his contract.
39-26-9: Marty Brodeur's Unforgettable Legacy in the NHL
When you think of legendary goaltenders in the history of the National Hockey League (NHL), one name that stands out above the rest is Martin Brodeur. With a career spanning over two decades, Brodeur's impact on the game of hockey is immeasurable. In this article, we'll delve into the remarkable career of Marty Brodeur, his contributions to the sport, and his lasting legacy.
FAQ 1: Who Is Martin Brodeur, and Why Is He So Revered?
Martin Brodeur, often referred to simply as "Marty," is a former NHL goaltender who played the majority of his career with the New Jersey Devils. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest goaltenders in NHL history for several reasons:
Record-Breaking Career: Brodeur holds numerous NHL records, including most wins by a goaltender (691), most shutouts (125), and most career minutes played by a goaltender.
Stanley Cup Success: He was an integral part of the New Jersey Devils' three Stanley Cup championships in 1995, 2000, and 2003. His stellar play in the playoffs earned him the title of the most valuable player in the 2003 Stanley Cup Final.
Consistency: Brodeur's remarkable consistency throughout his career is astonishing. He recorded eight 40-win seasons and had a remarkable ability to bounce back from losses.
Innovative Goaltender: Brodeur was known for his puck-handling skills, revolutionizing the goaltender's role in playing the puck behind the net. His ability to act as a third defenseman greatly influenced the game.
FAQ 2: What Were the Key Achievements of Marty Brodeur's Career?
Marty Brodeur's career was defined by remarkable achievements, some of which are highlighted below:
Four Vezina Trophies: Brodeur was awarded the Vezina Trophy four times, recognizing him as the NHL's top goaltender.
Olympic Gold Medalist: He represented Canada in multiple Winter Olympics, earning two gold medals in 2002 and 2010.
Hockey Hall of Fame: In 2018, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, solidifying his status as one of the game's all-time greats.
Ironman Goaltender: Brodeur holds the record for the most consecutive games played by a goaltender, with an incredible streak of 44 games in the 2005-2006 season.
FAQ 3: What Is Marty Brodeur's Legacy in the NHL?
Marty Brodeur's legacy extends beyond his impressive statistics and accolades. He left an indelible mark on the NHL in several ways:
Innovation in Goaltending: Brodeur's puck-handling abilities and willingness to play the puck outside the crease influenced a generation of goaltenders. His style of play had a lasting impact on the NHL.
Devils' Success: His stellar play was instrumental in the New Jersey Devils' sustained success during his tenure with the team. He was a crucial component of their three Stanley Cup championships.
Hockey Icon: Brodeur's name became synonymous with goaltending excellence. His impact on the game transcends statistics, as he became an icon who inspired countless young goaltenders.
Mentorship: After retiring as a player, Brodeur took on roles in management and as an assistant general manager, sharing his knowledge and experience with the next generation of hockey professionals.
: Marty Brodeur's Enduring Legacy
Marty Brodeur's career is a testament to his dedication, talent, and passion for the game of hockey. His impact on the NHL can be felt in every aspect of the sport, from goaltending techniques to the way teams strategize against elite netminders. As one of the most beloved figures in the hockey world, Brodeur's legacy continues to inspire both players and fans, reminding us of the greatness that can be achieved through hard work and a deep love for the game.
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