Martin Brodeur and the surging Devils

Sports fans love to debate. We argue over a manager's in-game decisions, draft selections, and (of course) whether the ref got the call right. But most of all, we love to debate which player is the best...at his position, in his generation, compared to another player, and so on. Just look at how much we've been arguing about Hall of Fame voting now that A-Rod's legacy is in question. And that decision probably won't be made for another 15 years!

Fortunately, there is one such debate that doesn't generate many disputes. Is Marty Brodeur the best goalie of all time? Yes. No doubt about it. After his recent (and stunning) comeback, who would even argue this point?

The Devils have been hot for a while, winning 14 of 18 before Brodeur returned. But now that he's healthy again, they have won another three games, improving to 17 wins in their last 21 games. The Devils have the 4th best record in the NHL, and for once, they are scoring a ton of goals to support their goaltending. How many goals? Eleven in Brodeur's first two games back from injury, to be exact. And while this may come as a surprise to the casual hockey fan, Zach Parise is the second leading scorer in the NHL!

New Jersey is once again a Stanley Cup contender, and Brodeur's return has so much to do with it. Scott Clemmensen and Kevin Weekes did a solid job in his place, but Brodeur is the guy you want in the crease come playoff time. He didn't just come back quietly from missing 50 games with a torn biceps. In his first three games, he notched two shutouts! At 547 wins, he is just four behind Patrick Roy. And with 100 shutouts (!!) he is just three behind Terry Sawchuck. Oh yeah, he also has three Stanley Cup rings. The Devils are surging, and with a healthy (and invigorated) Brodeur in net, they are poised to hoist their fourth Stanley Cup.

Okay, I can't resist -- if the Devils go all the way this season, they would win their fourth Stanley Cup in just 27 years. The Rangers have four Stanley Cups in 83 years. Just sayin'.

UPDATE:

It took until March 3, but the Devils have finally topped ESPN's power rankings!

2008-2009 Power Rankings: Week 19
	RK (PV)	TEAM	REC.	COMMENT
	1 (4)	Devils	41-19-3	Three games, three victories, two shutouts and two goals against: Martin Brodeur wants to get the career wins and shutouts records wrapped up by season's end.

And just in case you were wondering.........

17 (18)

Rangers

32-24-8

The Torts and Avery sideshow promises to be more entertaining than the Rangers' on-ice product.