MARTIN BRODEUR: THE GREATEST GOALIE OF ALL-TIME

With two shutouts in his first three games since returning from elbow surgery, Martin Brodeur announced that he was back, healthy, and ready to resume his reign as the NHL's top goaltender. New Jersey's first round pick (20th overall) in 1990, Brodeur is a first ballot hall-of-famer, and to take it one step further, is the greatest goalie to ever play in the National Hockey League.

At some point later this year--or more likely, next--Brodeur will become the league's all-time leader in wins and shutouts. He currently sits just six wins short of Patrick Roy's 551, and three shutouts behind Terry Sawchuk, who had 103 in his illustrious career. Brodeur will probably pass Roy and top the playoff shutout list as well, as he is only one behind the former Canadiens/Avalanche netminder with 22 career goose-eggs in the postseason.

But what Martin Brodeur has done for the game exceeds all stats and numbers. If you've never seen him play the position, there is no way to truly understand Brodeur's greatness in the net. He's made some of the most jaw-dropping saves of all-time, and even scarier, generally does it with some regularity. Additionally, Brodeur revolutionized the way goalies handle the puck, oftentimes coming out of the net to make tape-to-tape passes to streaking wingers. Oh yeah, and he's one of only a handful of goalies to score a goal.

Often criticized for his massive pads, Brodeur has continued to have success since the NHL began regulating the size of a goaltender's equipment, and changed up some rules to increase scoring. Brodeur, the longtime Devil, doesn't mind because it doesn't really effect him. His incredible numbers are just as mind boggling now as they were before the lockout.



Sometime very soon, Martin Brodeur will own the most victories and most shutouts in NHL history. He'll probably be regarded as the best ever when that occurs, but I say why wait? His numbers and records speak for themselves, as do his 95 playoff wins, four Vezina trophies, 2002 Olympic Gold Medal, and three Stanley Cup rings. Add 'em all up, and you get the greatest goaltender the NHL has ever seen.