Comments on: Martin Brodeur makes Wild look like offensive juggernaut

By: Tristan

Tristan — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 19:06:56 +0000

I clicked on that link thinking it would be good for a laugh, and found myself slowly nodding in agreement at a lot of those posts. I suddenly feel a lot of empathy for people who get converted to Scientology.

By: stakex

stakex — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 17:29:05 +0000

There is little doubt that Brodeur had the advantage of playing behind one of the best defensive teams in NHL history. Anyone who remembers the Devils in the 1990′s and early 2000′s knows they were a team that would was extremely hard to beat when they took even a one goal lead. If Brodeur would see 20 shots a night and a handful of good scoring chances it was a lot, and a quick look at his save percentage over the years confirms that while solid in net…. he was certainly not the brick wall hes played up to have been.

Was Brodeur good? Obviously. However would he have been as good if he was playing in front of a team with a more average defense? Probably not.

By: stakex

stakex — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 17:15:17 +0000

Well, he can’t really tarnish what hes accomplished. Playing poorly for the last year or two of his career does not take away any of the things hes done over the years… all it will do is make his career stats a little worse.

By: gallaghedj311

gallaghedj311 — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 14:35:25 +0000

If Philadelphia were to throw any rival athlete a retirement party, it would be Marty.

By: killabri

killabri — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 09:09:55 +0000

Frankly, Brodeur should not even start in NJ anymore as you point out James. Statistically, it isn’t even a debate. But, this is the 2011 version of one of the longest running questions in sports: How do you handle a legend that doesn’t have it anymore? As of this writing, the Devils find themselves a mere point out of a playoff spot. Do you continue to put Brodeur out there, even though it’s probably hurting your team on a nightly basis? Damn tough call to make when you’re dealing with one of the best goalies ever to play.

Unfortunately, however, it appears as though Brodeur’s body isn’t able to respond to the mind’s commands. It happens to every athlete, great or otherwise, and that’s when it’s time to start lining up that post playing career. Through chance or otherwise, I got the opportunity to see Brodeur play many times in Tampa during the years, and I’m thankful for that. I, like many other fans, will remember him at his peak instead of where he is now.

By: James O'Brien

James O'Brien — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 04:39:24 +0000

Sounds like you should visit http://brodeurisafraud.blogspot.com, then.

By: barkar942

barkar942 — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 03:53:13 +0000

Yes, Marty is coming to the end of his playing days. He will go down in the history of the game as one of the greatest goaltenders of all time, and deservedly so.
Let us not forget, however, that he backstopped the team that defensively perfected the trap to a tee for so many seasons. I am sure if you go back and look at all of his saves and where the opposing players were forced to shoot from, there would be probably the lowest percentage of high quality scoring chances of any goalie with the massive help from top quality defensemen playing in front of him.
Just in case any of you haven’t noticed, Niedermayer, Stevens and Danekyo have all retired. Perhaps the new NHL rules and the new defensive core in front of him might just possibly have something to do with his current performance???

By: lsxphotog

lsxphotog — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 03:21:31 +0000

Marty should indeed consider retirement. Sadly, he decided it was worth risking a tarnished ending to a spectacular career. Hedberg has been solid all season, no much to consider on who should get the start, IMO.

By: charlutes

charlutes — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 02:47:28 +0000

No. He should retire 2 years ago.

By: goalie007

goalie007 — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 02:16:54 +0000

I hate to say it, but Marty probably should have retired after last season. It’s inescapable, nobody can play forever. There’s certainly no shame in that. He’s an obvious hall of famer. I always hate to see somebody hang around too long, but I’ll certainly never forget how great he was for many, many years.