In his first game back from a 50-game layoff, Martin Brodeur shut out the Avalanche. He put a lot of questions to rest, including the important questions surrounding the supposed rust, and whether he'd favor his previously injured arm.
But they were the Avalanche.
So then Brodeur faced the Panthers, a hungry playoff team that had pounded the Devils during their last meeting. The team responded, netting seven goals, while Marty allowed only two. A good win against a tougher opponent.
But he faced only 17 shots. This could not be considered a real test.
Well, the test came today. Brodeur started in back-to-back games for the first time since his return, and his opponent was the toughest yet: the Philadelphia Flyers. Not only are they the best of the three teams thus far, but they are the Devils' division rivals, a team snapping at their heels in the standings.
And Brodeur shut them out.
It was his 100th shutout which moves him to within three of tying Terry Sawchuk's mark of 103. It was also Brodeur's 547th career victory, moving him to within four of tying Patrick Roy's league record.
