I spoke with New Jersey Devils'
goaltender Martin
Brodeur after his team defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 3-0 on
April 18, 2013.
Brodeur won his first National Hockey League game on March 26, 1992, when the Devils defeated the
Boston Bruins 4-2. He initially wore number 29, before switching to
his trademark number 30. During the past two-plus decades this 1990 first round draft choice (twentieth overall) recorded 121
shutouts, scored three goals, reached numerous other high marks and
has redefined the art of goaltending.
I've learned through the years that
individuals who achieve and then maintain greatness in any field share common character traits. With that subjective point in mind, it
was reaffirming to hear what this high-achiever had to say.
Marty
Brodeur replied to my question about
the elements that create a shutout in very telling form:
“It's a team game. That's the bottom
line. If you don't have a team that's committed to play a certain way
in front of you, you're not getting shutouts. You can't do it by
yourself.
“Once in awhile you can stand on your
head. But, I think when you get a bulk of as many as I've gotten through the years, it's the commitment of the team.
“When it's 3-0, it's easy to try to
get the fourth goal, or to win 3-1. Who cares?
"But, when you take
pride and people want your goalie to have them (shutouts), it's a big
difference,” Brodeur said.
The affable legend is set to turn 41 on May 6. As he plays out the final games on his contract (that runs through 2013-14), this 20-season veteran has the clearest understanding of what the
Devils-Flyers' rivalry means.
“Oh yes, it's great. We have a couple
teams, especially in the area because there are so many teams around.
I'm sure the Flyers will tell you the same.
“The Rangers-Flyers and a little bit
of the Islanders. I'm sure it's going to grow in the next few years
because they (the Islanders) are getting better and better.
“But, for us to come into this
building, it's always a fun game,” Brodeur said.
Digital hockey card
Clicking on the back of this veteran's
digital hockey card reveals that he ranks first in NHL history in the following categories:
Games played (1,217). Patrick Roy is
second (1,029).
Minutes played (71,609). Roy is second
(60,235).
Wins (667). Roy is second (551).
Shots against (30,513). Roy is second
(28,353).
Saves (27,853). Roy is second (25,807).
Shutouts (121). Terry Sawchuk is second
(103).
Playoff shutouts (24). Roy is second (23).
Someone who won the Calder Cup,
five Jennings trophies, four Vezina trophies, three Stanley Cups, has a .913 career save percentage and a 2.23 career GAA will obviously be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Any reasonable
debate about the greatest
goaltenders of all-time, using any criterion, should always include this
Quebec native's name.
(Martin Brodeur photo credit - Sean O'Brien)
(Martin Brodeur photo credit - Sean O'Brien)
My next 'Insight' post will contain: Behind the
scenes details about this interview and information that freelance writers can use to succeed in their careers.
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