R1, G2: MAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRTTTTTTYYY

I've used the Maaaaarrrrrtttttyyyy title several times this season, and it feels great every time. The man with the overinflated reputation and ego is being brought back to earth as the Rangers break through the Devils defense to actually get at the goaltender. Back when Ken Daneyko and Scott Stevens were there to bail him out, Marty was hailed as a hero. Now everyone is seeing that he really isn't nearly as good as advertised.

HOWEVER, as much as he blew the game for Jersey with two bad goals, the officiating truly screwed them. With the game 2-1 in the last minute, Bettsy should have been given a hooking/interference call, Rozy should have been given a cross check and the linesmen mistakenly blew an icing on them when they were shorthanded. They will be very, very dangerous in Game 3 on Sunday.

But before then, more on tonight (pictures to be added later):

*I have to say that I find it incredibly awesome that there really are very few New Jersey Devil fans. Even on the broadcast, the Maaaaarrrrrrrttttty chants after the back-to-back goals were deafening. Magnificent. Is it any wonder that I said that Jersey isn't our biggest rival? You have to have someone to battle against to have a proper foil. They have few fans.

*So I said that in Game 1 Marty was obssessed with Gomez, and Gomer took advantage by setting up all three goals. This time, Sean finally got under his skin and man was it fun to watch. First the two jaw face to face in the second period, then Sean scores in the third (with Gomez on the doorstep). I had previously said that if Avery asks for $4, 5 million we would have to let him go. I take it back, hand that man a blank check.

*Yogi Berra is a traitor. Apparently he was a Ranger fan back when he played for the Yanks but MSG+ showed him with a Devil cap. He met and became friends with the Devils' owner so he roots for them down. That's just wrong ...

*The long first period delay while the Rock ice crew tried to combine their brain power to fix a friggin door luckily didn't cause the teams to lose any of the intensity that they had to start the game.

*I neglected to mention him in my wrap of the first game, but Marc Staal is playing like he is a 10 year veteran, not some kind of rookie. He is one of the few Ranger defenders that are making the Devils pay when they enter the zone and has remained remarkably poised while doing it. While Rozy and Toots have slacked here and there, Staal and Girardi have been steady, bailing their partners out.

*Mara shouldn't have taken the cage off of his helmet - he was making bigger hits and playing a stronger all-around game with it on. And seeing a more timid Mara longside the soft Swede Christian Backman really doesn't do well for my nerves.

*Speaking of Mr. Backman ... where to start. What a bum. Busts Zach Parise in the mouth for no reason and puts the Rangers down for four minutes (thank goodness for great killers). That list of fourth round picks makes me more and more angry.

*Jagr was a horse, scoring the Rangers first goal of the game but - as I am sure I will take flak for this - I think his linemate Brandon Dubinsky was better. Dubi mixed it up, moved the puck and played a game far beyond his years. I've said it a few times before, but I do think we are watching a young Jason Arnott. Hopefully he will collect the same rings that the former Devil did.

*PHW Three Stars
3-Sean Avery - one goal.
2-Jaromir Jagr - one goal.
1-Henrik Lundqvist - 26 saves.

Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Shanny - his penalty killing and grit won't show up on the scoresheet but they won the game for the Rangers as much as the Jagr and Avery goals did.
2-Avery - what a punk; love him.
1-Hank - in the playoffs your goaltender has to be your best player and on this night, he truly was. He made several huge saves and the lone goal against came on a perfect redirection by John Madden.

 The Martyrdom of Martin Brodeur: A Look Back at His Glorious Career

In the world of sports, certain names are synonymous with greatness. In the realm of ice hockey, one such name is Martin Brodeur. Known affectionately as "Marty," Brodeur is considered one of the greatest goaltenders in the history of the National Hockey League (NHL). In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the career of Martin Brodeur, focusing on his remarkable journey, his impact on the game, and his enduring legacy.

FAQ 1: Who Is Martin Brodeur, and Why Is He So Special?

Martin Brodeur is a former Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender. He was born on May 6, 1972, in Montreal, Quebec. Brodeur's journey to greatness began early in life. His father, Denis Brodeur Sr., was a renowned sports photographer, and his brother, Denis Brodeur Jr., was also a professional hockey goaltender. The passion for the game ran deep in the Brodeur family.

Brodeur was drafted by the New Jersey Devils in the first round (20th overall) of the 1990 NHL Entry Draft. He went on to spend the majority of his illustrious 22-season NHL career with the Devils, cementing his legacy as one of the most iconic players in franchise history.

The Numbers Game

One of the defining aspects of Brodeur's career is the sheer volume of games he played and won. Throughout his career, he set numerous records, some of which may never be broken:

Most Wins by a Goaltender: Brodeur holds the record for the most career wins by an NHL goaltender, with a staggering 691 regular-season victories.

Most Shutouts: He also holds the record for the most career shutouts, with 125 blank sheets in the regular season.

Ironman Streak: Brodeur played 70 or more games in 12 different seasons, a testament to his durability and consistency.

Three Stanley Cups: He led the New Jersey Devils to three Stanley Cup championships in 1995, 2000, and 2003, earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP in 2003.

Four Vezina Trophies: Brodeur won the Vezina Trophy, awarded to the NHL's best goaltender, on four occasions.

The Butterfly Style and Innovations

Brodeur's playing style was marked by his use of the butterfly technique, a goaltending method that involves dropping to the ice and spreading the legs to block shots. While this style is commonplace today, Brodeur was among its early adopters, revolutionizing the position. His unique ability to read plays, handle the puck, and make accurate passes added another dimension to his game. He often acted as a third defenseman, helping his team break out of their own zone more effectively.

FAQ 2: What Made Brodeur So Special on and off the Ice?

Martin Brodeur's greatness extended beyond his impressive statistics and on-ice accomplishments:

Mentorship: Brodeur's influence on the next generation of goaltenders is immeasurable. He served as a mentor and role model for many young netminders, including his own son, Anthony Brodeur, who was drafted by the Devils in 2013.

Community Engagement: Off the ice, Brodeur was involved in various charitable initiatives, demonstrating his commitment to giving back to the community.

Humble Demeanor: Despite his incredible success, Brodeur remained down-to-earth and approachable, earning the respect and admiration of fans and peers alike.

The End of an Era

After spending 21 seasons with the New Jersey Devils, Brodeur's career took an unexpected turn. In 2014, he signed with the St. Louis Blues, marking the first time in his career that he played for a team other than the Devils. While the move was met with mixed emotions from fans, it allowed Brodeur to extend his career and share his wisdom with a new generation of goaltenders.

FAQ 3: What Is Martin Brodeur's Legacy?

Martin Brodeur's legacy is multi-faceted and enduring:

Goaltending Evolution: He played a pivotal role in changing the way goaltending is approached in the NHL, popularizing the butterfly style and emphasizing puck-handling skills.

Records That Stand the Test of Time: Many of Brodeur's records, particularly those related to wins and shutouts, may remain unbroken for generations.

Champion and Leader: Brodeur was not only a champion on the ice but also a leader in the locker room, setting an example for his teammates through his work ethic and dedication.

Ambassador of the Game: He became an ambassador for the sport of hockey, promoting its growth and popularity in various ways.

Martin Brodeur's career is a testament to talent, dedication, and a love for the game. He rewrote the record books, forever changing the way goaltending is approached in the NHL. Beyond his impressive statistics, Brodeur's influence on the next generation of goaltenders and his contributions to the community demonstrate the true mark of a legend. As hockey fans, we were fortunate to witness the career of Marty, a goaltender who will forever be remembered as one of the greatest to ever grace the ice.