Brodeur shuts out Rangers (with some late controversy)

All of a sudden, Martin Brodeur is starting to look like the future Hall of Famer whose greatest criticisms are that he gets a little lucky.

Brodeur picked up a 30-save 1-0 shutout against the New York Rangers tonight, earning his fourth win in a row and pushing the New Jersey Devils to fifth in the East in the process. Brodeur was especially strong in the third period when the Rangers held a ridiculous 15-1 shot advantage.

As you can see from the highlights below, he got a little lucky – especially with a disallowed goal in the waning moments of the game and a friendly post earlier in the night – but he was also an undeniable-difference maker. (You know, like the guy who’s an obvious Hall of Famer.)

(What do you think: did officials make the right call in waiving off the goal because of Marian Gaborik‘s interference? Let us know in the comments.)

Brodeur has allowed eight goals on his four-game winning streak, moving his season record to 18-12-2. His individual numbers still leave plenty to be desired (.899 save percentage; 2.67 GAA), but with the Devils still in position to make noise, it’s all about what he does going forward.

For the first time in a long time, there’s reason to believe that Brodeur can get the job done. To little surprise, the Devils are looking as dangerous as they’ve looked in years as well.