Stanley Cup 2012: Martin Brodeur Gives Devils Goalie Edge

Experience is everything.

Martin Brodeur isn’t a better goalie than Jonathan Quick at this point in his career. Despite that fact, the New Jersey Devils still own the edge in goals over the Los Angeles Kings in the 2012 Stanley Cup Finals.

This season, Quick only allowed 1.95 goals per game compared to 2.41 by Brodeur. Quick also boasted a save percentage of 92.9 next to Brodeur’s 90.8. Still, if a single series stood between you and a Stanley Cup, would you really choose Quick?

Not a chance in the world.

At 40 years old, Brodeur isn’t the same unstoppable force that he was in his prime, but his experience is invaluable. He led the Devils to a trio of Stanley Cup triumphs and his championship success can’t be underestimated. Every single time the legend made it to the title, he skated away victorious.

In Game 1 of the Finals, Brodeur will play in his 200th career playoff game. Rich Chere of The Star-Ledger reported, though, that the Canadian doesn’t feel his age. When asked if he feels younger, Brodeur responded:

"

Yeah, it’s fun to look at these young guys. I feel like one of ‘em. I have more experience than anybody, but when you’re on a hockey team and part of something great, I think ages, experience, nationalities – it all goes out the window. You're part of it, and it’s been a lot of fun. 

"

In the conference finals against the New York Rangers, the only games that the Devils lost were the ones in which they failed to score a goal. If Brodeur received the slightest offensive support, New Jersey left the rink with the W.

Los Angeles is the more talented hockey team. But it’d be foolish to count out the more experienced and more challenged Devils.

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

Follow @TheRealDDaniels