Wither Brodeur?

In this interminable season, lots of negative records have been set.

Still, it was a shock to know that this year alone, not one, but two goaltenders had a clear shot to break Bernie Parent's NHL mark for wins in one season - 47. Martin Brodeur and Roberto Luongo were the front runners, and Brodeur set the record first in the Devils' 3-2 win in Philly last night. Luongo, if he starts Vancouver's last two games, has a chance to at least tie since the Flying V's ended up losing to Colorado.

Yet again, another milestone the Flyers proudly called their own, has been cruelly overtaken by a member of their chief tormentors for well over a decade.

It's amazing that the Devils braintrust has let Brodeur increase his starts per season as he's getting older. Since 1997, the first time he eclipsed the 70-game mark, he's slowly increased his yearly work load, with the exception of last season's 73 starts as opposed to 2003-2004 (75) and this year (78) with one game remaining. Backups in New Jersey either have the easiest job in the hockey universe or the worst job in the universe - maybe simultaneously, because only Brodeur decides when he needs a night off, and that's only three or four times a season.

I still question the move as one where an athlete's ego and his past contributions to the club gets in the way of present reality and future health. For example - Pelle Lindbergh had a decision in 64 of the Flyers' 80 games in 1984-85. Mike Keenan could have easily left him in for 70 games (and at one point started him in 24 straight), but he recognized that Bob Froese needed work - 15 games' worth. Likewise, on those late 80's Canadiens clubs, Patrick Roy could have easily topped 70 games himself, but with Brian Hayward a fallen starter turned super sub, Roy was told he'd get 60 starts a year maximum to keep him sharp and rested.

Brodeur is approaching his 35th birthday. Luck was on his side in that he became the Devils Number One at the ripe young age of 21, and has not come close to relinquishing that status since. However, how long can the team continue to whip the horse until he lays down? Several games ago, Brodeur was run into and clearly injured his right leg, and still has problems of balance and blocking on his right side. It was noticeable enough in last night's game that several fans in and near our section kept screaming for the Flyers to crash the net and work the knees.
If the cornerstone of those three Stanley Cups has been the defense, but more than that, the goaltender, why didn't Scott Clemmensen get a start? Riiiight, the Devils are in a crucial race for a division title with the upstart Penguins, and the team needs Brodeur, even a limping one, to ensure a win over even the worst team in the league.

It's all going to catch up to the Devils at some point - probably in the opening round of the playoffs. With the two-seed, they will most likely play Tampa. Brodeur is going to have to plow through the pain and be sharp against the Bolts, which possess a potent offense when clicking. He played well enough to eek out a one-goal, division-clinching win over the Flyers, so he'll get two days of rest without playing, and Clem will probably get the start on Sunday against the Islanders before the playoff preparations begin.

If the Devils don't at least reach the Conference Finals this year, Lamoriello will have to bring in a more experienced back-up to spell Brodeur. It's only a wise choice, because once 35 is reached, all you can do as an athlete is be in as good shape as the year before - the grind begins to take a toll and even a goalie can't be in better shape than a season previous. Higher power help me, I could even see Robert Esche or David Aebischer as the relief, getting 15 or so starts.