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New Jersey Devils: 5 Best All-Star Performances In Franchise History

By Nick Villano

Martin Broduer #30 of the New Jersey Devils waves to family during the 54th NHL All-Star Game on February 8, 2004 at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Martin Broduer #30 of the New Jersey Devils waves to family during the 54th NHL All-Star Game on February 8, 2004 at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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Scott Niedermayer (R) poses with Larry Robinson (L) and Scott Stevens (C) (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

5. Scott Niedermayer – 2004 NHL All-Star Game

Scott Niedermayer is the surprising name when it comes to All-Star selections. No, it’s not surprising that he made the team. He’s one of the most talented defensemen in the history of the game. However, it is surprising to see that he only made the team three times in his career. Niedermayer represented the Devils in 1998, 2001, and 2004. In two of those years, he won the NHL’s Fastest Skater competition. That’s how he started the 2004 festivities, which was the most magical year of Niedermayer’s career.

Niedermayer was in the midst of his best year, as the league was facing an impending NHL Lockout, but he was having his first Norris Trophy-winning season. The Devils were the defending Stanley Cup Champions, winning an epic series with the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. The 2004 All-Star Game continued the star ascent of Niedermayer, who was slightly in the shadow of Stevens on the Devils blueline. He is only one of two defensemen to win the Fastest Skater event, and Paul Coffey only won the competition once unlike Niedermayer.

In the game, Niedermayer was named the captain for the Eastern Conference. He was part of an all-Devils backend, pairing with Brian Rafalski (who replaced an injured Stevens) and with Martin Brodeur in net. He ended up getting an assist on Mark Messier’s game-tying goal in the second period. The East scored again just over a minute later, and they never gave up the lead again.

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