The only time I’ve ever seen Martin Brodeur soundly defeated by a Philadelphia Flyers hockey team was in the opening round of the 2003-04 Quarterfinals. I was scared, terrified even as I sat in the 2nd row of the Mezzanine watching the pre-game shoot around during Game 1, and it wasn’t because I happened to be on my first date with my future wife. It was because we were facing the New Jersey Devils, and more importantly… Martin Brodeur. He stood in our way numerous times in previous regular seasons. He was there in the 94-95 Conference Finals, stopping the Legion of Doom. He was there again in 99-00 to usher out the Lindros era. I can imagine how frustrating it was as a player to face him, because it was maddening as a fan to watch your home team attempt to beat that trap, and get through tough defensemen like Ken Daneyko or Scott Stevens, only to have a sure goal hit Brodeur’s skate blade or find its way into his glove. I personally hold him responsible for waiting so long for a Philadelphia Championship. So how DO you beat Marty?
Not many teams seem to have that answer. He’s won more games than any other goaltender in the history of the NHL (even if MattP wants to put an asterisk next to his name), has numerous Stanley cup rings, and a handful of Vezina trophies to show he’s the best. On rare occasion, we had the delight of watching other teams, most notably the New York Rangers eliminate the Devils for us. In 2004, the Flyers were un-beknownced to we the fans, a scary-good championship caliber team, full of opportunistic veterans, timely goal scorers, versatile defensemen, and a goalie playing way above his talent level. That year, Primeau became Supremeau, Sami Kapanen became a solid two way defenseman, JR became an OT hero, and Robert Esche became the unflappable Silent Bob. When Primeau came streaking down the ice, curled inside on a Devil defenseman, and tucked the puck under Brodeur in Game 1, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Rumor had it that Brodeur was either injured or exhausted from playing almost the entire season, something he’s done for years, up until 08-09. After missing the majority of this season with an arm injury, he’s returned to produce a 9-2 record, with two shutouts, one most notably coming against the Flyers for the 100th of his career.
My hope is that the Flyers saved some energy and focus from a stirring victory against the Penguins yesterday afternoon. Nothing would solidify their stake at home ice in the first round and make a statement to the NHL about their Cup contention legitimacy than defeating their nemesis from up the Turnpike. Actually, my true hope is that Brodeur doesn’t play in back to back games.
Enjoy!
Original Story:
http://www.the700level.com/2009/03/fl...
