Martin Brodeur on pace to pass Patrick Roy in NHL record book this season
The 2008-09 NHL season could be one in which Martin Brodeur stamps his name at the top of several lists in the record book.The New Jersey Devils goaltender is on pace to elbow Patrick Roy aside and be the league's all-time leader in wins, games and minutes played by a goaltender.
Can we please stop this nonsense? He has been the fortunate recipient of many advantages – unbelievable starts in terms of games, the defensive shell of the Devil’s, the rule regarding ties and shootouts. The man is in the top ten but simply not the best. For my money, the top five are:
1. Vladislav Tretiak ( young people today believe that ten years ago there was no NHL or the players were somehow inferior – not true).
2. Jacques Plante – The innovator and King of the NHL.
3. Patrick Roy – In a class by himself; above and beyond Brodeur.
4. Billy Smith – The greatest money goalie to play in the league – and this comes from a lifelong Rangers fan.
5. Roberto Luongo – Talk about a goalie who has shined despite terrible team defense and alignment.
Martin Brodeur may have the numbers but that is simply all this paper tiger will have is the hollow and dispiriting reminder of being the all time leader in name only.