Everyone knew Martin Brodeur would be a first ballot Hall of Famer. He is one of, if not THE best goaltender to ever live. It was a proud moment for New Jersey Devils fans, as we saw our guy get in, and really headline a spectacular class.
Brodeur entered the Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2018 with 5 fellow members, including NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, former Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Ranger forward Martin St Louis, Team Canada woman’s Olympian and four-time gold medalist Jayna Hefford, Willie O’Ree, who broke the color barrier when he suited up for the Boston Bruins in 1958, and Soviet Union hockey great Alexander Yakushev.
Brodeur’s achievements speak for themselves. He is the all time leader in wins with 691, his 125 shutouts are the most all time, and his 1,266 games played are the most ever by any goalie to ever live. He set the single season record for wins in 2006-07 with 48 victories. He won the Calder Trophy in 1994 as the NHL’s top rookie. He won the Vezina trophy four times, given to the top goalie each season.
Brodeur was the backstop of three Devils Stanley Cup Championship teams, and won two Olympic Gold Medals with Team Canada. The New Jersey Devils were Stanley Cup contenders for pretty much every season that Marty was a player for the organization.
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On top of being one of the best ever at keeping the puck out of his net, he was a premier puck handler. He is credited with three goals, and finished second all time amongst goalies in scoring with 47 points. He made it very hard for others to forecheck, he was like a third defenseman, and he would move the puck up the ice to his defense and forwards himself.
When Brodeur got up onto the stage to accept his plaque and give his speech, former teammates Scott Stevens and Scott Niedermayer were there to present him with his plaque and take a photo. It was a great sight to see for New Jersey Devils fans all over the world. It was awesome to see three major pillars of our franchise celebrating, as all three are now in the Hockey Hall of Fame, the sport’s highest honor.
Of course, in true Marty Brodeur style, it was an emotional speech. He was choked up just a few words into his speech. He talked about his family including both of his late parents, his children, his teammates and of course Lou. He even gave a tribute to his “cup of coffee” with the St. Louis Blues organization.
The Brodeur era in New Jersey is one us fans won’t soon forget, and we will always look back on those years with the fondest of memories. The Devils glory days would all have never been if it wasn’t for Marty, he is the best player the franchise has ever seen. This ceremony put great closure on the best era of New Jersey Devils hockey.