Is The New Jersey Devils' Season Over Without Martin Brodeur?
Posted: Friday, November 07, 2008
by Cheap Canuck
http://rinkjerseys.com
Up until a few days ago Martin Brodeur was on the brink of hockey history. He was poised to become the all time leader in wins by an NHL goalie, as well as closing in on the record for career shutouts by an NHL goaltender. These records are held by Patrick Roy and Terry Sawchuck respectively, two legends of the sport. There is little question that Martin Brodeur will one day own these records, just not as soon as everyone thought. Brodeur, who had started an incredible 61 consecutive games for the New Jersey Devils, will be watching from the press box for the next several months. He just underwent surgery for torn biceps and the New Jersey Devils will likely have to do without his services for the bulk of the regular season. Not having Brodeur in net is unfamiliar territory for the Devils. He has been a workhorse, tending the pipes for them for well over a decade. How they handle his absence will really define just how good a team they really are. However, the guy who will really be feeling the pressure is career back-up goaltender, Kevin Weekes. Weekes would have been lucky to start 10 games this season. Now he is faced with the challenge of carrying the load for the team. Can he rise to meet the challenge or does New Jersey need to start shopping for a new goalie to tide them over until Brodeur is healthy enough to return? It is said that one man's misfortune is another's opportunity, and that is very true in this case. Weekes came into the league with the potential to be a very good starting goaltender, but things have never seemed to come together for him, and he's seen his star fall over recent years. This might be the last chance to redeem himself. Of course, there is zero chance he will supplant Brodeur as the number one goalie in New Jersey. However, if he can keep the Devils in the playoff hunt for the remainder of the season he will see his stock rise, will catch the eye of GMs around the league, and will earn himself a shot as a starter on another team in the future. Will he make the most of the opportunity, or will this be his last kick at the can? Whatever plays out, the Devils have their work cut out for them. Brodeur has 3 Stanley Cup rings to his credit, and his compete level and his experience are impossible to replace. Can New Jersey win without him? Sorry Kevin Weekes. I think the shoes are just too big to fill. If New Jersey doesn't go get themselves a top tier goaltender they will be on the outside looking in when this year's playoffs start.
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