Martin Brodeur is back on top. Or is it still on top?
After a subpar start to the season, the Devils goaltender has returned to the stellar form that has earned him three Vezina Trophies as the NHL’s top goalie.
“He’s the best goalie in the world,” veteran defenseman Colin White said after yesterday’s practice in Newark. “He’s setting all the records. He wants to be successful [individually], but everyone feeds off it. He’s been seeing the puck real well and making saves that only he can make. That’s what separates him from everyone else.”
Brodeur has allowed nine goals during the Devils’ seven-game win streak, which for the moment has turned the team’s first season in Newark from a disaster-in-the-making to a return of the triumphant underdogs.
During the streak, which the Devils hope to extend tonight when they play host to the Bruins (7 p.m., FSN, WFAN-660) Brodeur has recorded his first two shutouts of the season and a .951 save percentage while averaging more than 25 saves per game. His 1.28 goals-against average during the streak is almost a goal-and-a-half less than his pre-streak average of 2.69.
While talk in hockey circles has focused on Ranger Henrik Lundqvist’s league-leading 14 victories, Brodeur is proving that, even at age 35, he is not quite ready to give up the mantle of best goalie in the world.
White, asked if Brodeur’s reputation had been diminished by his early struggles, said, “To the outside world, maybe. But inside here, we know how hard he works and how competitive he is.”
It does not bother Brodeur if some think otherwise.
“The expectations of people, you cannot do anything about it,” Brodeur said amid the light-hearted Devils locker room. “If I don’t play up to the expectations for myself, people criticize. It’s a big challenge for me to stay on top all the time. Winning solves a lot things.”
Brodeur’s resurgence – and that of the Devils – corresponds with White’s return on Nov. 21 from an eye injury that almost ended his career. The 6-foot-4, 220-pounder has solidified the defense in front of Brodeur.
BRUINS at DEVILS Tonight 7:00 – FSN
WFAN (660)