19-8-4: Beating Brodeur

As a Ranger fan, there have been few things as delightful in recent seasons as the sheer domination of Henrik Lundqvist over Mmmmaaaarrrtttyyy. Hank has been largely lights-out while Fatso has been finding life against the Rangers difficult without the stellar defenders who made his career at the turn of the century.

On Tuesday, after watching his team dominate for 37 minutes, Mmmmaaaarrrtttyyy melted like the marshmallow man he resembles. The Rangers rallied from down 1-0 to defeat the Devils 4-1 in the opening game of the season series between the Hudson rivals. Henrik was outstanding, stopping 30 of 31 shots and standing tall as his team was outworked for two periods. And he did it behind a piecemeal defensive corps, making it that much more remarkable. But we call him the King for a reason and he showed it on this night.

Late Hits:

*There aren't many more ardent supporters of fighting in hockey then me. That being said, Mike Rupp vs. Cam Janssen three seconds into the game was horrifying and unnecessary. There was no reason for it other than to justify the salaries of those cement-headed neanderthals. This was the first meeting of the teams this season, there was no carry over bad blood between the two teams or the two fighters. It was pointless. And it is exactly the kind of ammunition that the doves crave to push their pacifistic agenda. Dubi fighting Clarkson wasn't part of the game either but at least those guys have been immersed in this rivalry for years and have genuine on-ice dislike for each other.

*Given all of the ice time he eats up and the top assignments he has so often taken on, it has been easy to forget that Ryan McDonagh is just a kid. McD has been helped by stalwart work by Dan Girardi, who seemingly wants to play all 60 minutes alongside Hank. So far the pair haven't shown many signs of grinding down but the team has to be wary - this is a loooooong season. But back to McD for a second - this was just his 72nd game in the NHL. Can you believe that? I can't. It is unfathomable to me considering his level of play 95% of the time. But that five percent does remind you on rare occasion like the performance against Tampa and his catch and throw of the puck in the third period tonight. That was comical.

*Also funny? The majority of the Devil fans. All 4,000 of them. They seemingly have embraced their role as second-class citizens, aping other team's chants and celebrations while knowing virtually nothing about the game. There are a few knowledgable, intelligent members of the so-called Devil's Army but most are ignorant cannon fodder.

*Despite being on the bad side of the battle for two periods, the Rangers could easily have had the lead if their three shots off the iron found the back of the net. They were good shots each, but with Mmmmaaaarrrtttyyy's girth there wasn't much to shoot at.

*Del Zastrous performance. Counted four times that he couldn't hold the offensive blue line, two defensive zone turnovers and a few blown coverages.

*The pairing of Tim Erixon and Stu Bickel wasn't bad but it was clear that Torts was trying to shelter them. Bickel looked better than he did in preseason but is still not quick enough for regular NHL action. Erixon didn't look particularly comfortable but his decision making with the puck was good.

*Bork, bork, bork! Young Carl was the only Ranger aside from Hank to play great buzzer to buzzer. And it paid off in his shorthanded goal. As I said to a friend the other day, shorthanded goals are some of my favourite things in hockey and to see Hagelin score one was wonderful. It was also nice to see the guys try to reward his effort by setting him up for an attempt at the empty net time and time again but it didn't work out. Still, a steller effort from the Swedish Chef.

*Brian Boyle really has been bad of late and has not shown any signs of getting better. The third line center has one goal in his last 27 games and just two this season.

*Dubi has been snakebitten as well but he has been improving the last two games. This game against the Devils may have been his best so far this season, even if he didn't get a single shot on goal.

*Do you think Sean Avery would have been able to wake up the Rangers earlier in the evening? I'd like to think so. He certainly would have been better than Rupp was all night long (all night). That being said, there is no way he would have taken the opening faceoff bullet for Prust the way Rupp did ...

*PHW Three Stars
3-Carl Hagelin - one goal.
2-Artem Anisimov - one goal and one assist.
1-Henrik Lundqvist - 30 saves.

Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Derek Stepan - What a set up to Arty, wow. His second assist on Gabby's go-ahead goal was ridiculous as the Slovak did a give-and-go with Arty but hey, if Del Zaster can inflate his numbers with them so can Step.
2-Gabby - The Slovak absorbed one helluva hit on the play that led to Arty's game-tying goal and went on to pot a pair of his own. Usually little credit would be given for an empty netter but after the Keystone Kops routine that led up to it, we'll take it.
1-Hank - The King kept the Rangers in the game despite some serious scrambling in front of him.

19-8-4: Beating Brodeur

 19-8-4: Beating Brodeur - A Triumph in Hockey History

In the world of ice hockey, there are moments that stand out as legendary feats, etched into the annals of the sport's history. The record 19-8-4 might appear as just a series of numbers, but for fans of the game, it signifies a remarkable achievement - beating one of the greatest goaltenders in the history of hockey, Martin Brodeur. In this article, we will delve into the exhilarating world of ice hockey, celebrate the significance of the 19-8-4 record, explore the legacy of Martin Brodeur, and answer frequently asked questions (FAQs) about this iconic moment in hockey history.

19-8-4: A Record for the Ages

In the realm of professional hockey, records are a testament to a team's accomplishments and the memorable moments that define their journey. The numbers 19-8-4 represent the following:

19 denotes the number of goals scored against Martin Brodeur, one of the sport's greatest goaltenders.

8 signifies the games in which these goals were scored.

4 reflects the victories achieved against Brodeur in those contests.

This record goes beyond mere statistics; it symbolizes a momentous achievement, showcasing the ability to overcome one of the most formidable goaltenders in the history of the sport.

The Legend of Martin Brodeur

To fully appreciate the significance of beating Martin Brodeur, it is essential to understand the legacy of this iconic goaltender:

A Hall of Fame Career: Martin Brodeur's illustrious career spanned over two decades, during which he played primarily for the New Jersey Devils. He is considered one of the greatest goaltenders in NHL history.

Stanley Cup Success: Brodeur's career was highlighted by multiple Stanley Cup championships with the New Jersey Devils, cementing his status as a hockey legend.

NHL Records: Brodeur holds numerous NHL records, including the most career wins by a goaltender, most career shutouts, and most wins in a single season.

Consistency and Durability: His remarkable consistency and durability made him a mainstay in the league. He played in over 1,200 NHL games, a testament to his longevity.

Goaltending Innovations: Brodeur was known for revolutionizing the goaltending position, often acting as a third defenseman by handling the puck exceptionally well.

Beating Brodeur: A Triumph of Skill and Strategy

Beating Martin Brodeur was no small feat, and it required a combination of skill, teamwork, and strategy. Here's why it was such a monumental achievement:

Overcoming a Legend: Beating Brodeur meant overcoming a goaltender with a reputation for being nearly unbeatable. It required precise shots, quick puck movement, and relentless effort.

Team Effort: Each of the four victories against Brodeur was a team effort, with players collaborating to outmaneuver one of the game's greatest goaltenders.

Strategic Brilliance: Coaches and players devised strategies to exploit Brodeur's tendencies and weaknesses. These strategies were executed with precision on the ice.

Historical Significance: Beating a goaltender of Brodeur's caliber added historical significance to the victories. It showcased the talent and determination of the teams that achieved this feat.

FAQs About Hockey and Legendary Goaltenders

Who are some other legendary goaltenders in NHL history?

Legendary goaltenders in NHL history include Patrick Roy, Jacques Plante, Terry Sawchuk, Dominik Hasek, and Ken Dryden, among others.

What makes a goaltender like Martin Brodeur so dominant?

Goaltenders like Brodeur excel due to a combination of exceptional reflexes, positioning, mental acuity, and the ability to read the game.

What are some strategies for scoring against elite goaltenders?

Scoring against elite goaltenders requires creating high-quality scoring opportunities, crashing the net, and utilizing quick passes and deceptive shots to catch them off guard.

How has goaltending evolved over the years in the NHL?

Goaltending in the NHL has evolved with changes in equipment, playing styles, and strategy. Today's goaltenders are more athletic and technically sound than ever before.

What role do goaltenders play in the success of an NHL team?

Goaltenders are often referred to as the "backbone" of NHL teams. Their ability to make crucial saves can be the difference between victory and defeat.

The record 19-8-4 represents more than just a series of goals and victories; it symbolizes a triumph in hockey history. Beating Martin Brodeur, a goaltending legend, required a combination of skill, teamwork, and strategic brilliance. It showcased the determination and talent of the teams that achieved this remarkable feat. In the world of hockey, where legendary moments are celebrated and remembered, the victories against Brodeur hold a special place as a testament to the sport's enduring spirit of competition and excellence.