Devils: Brodeur Clinches Milestone Shutout Record

It was only a matter of time before Martin Brodeur broke Terry Sawchuk's record for most shutouts by a goaltender in the National Hockey League. Out of all the teams in the league, no one would have expected it to be against the Pittsburgh Penguins, no less in Pittsburgh where they get all the calls their way. Not this time Pittsburgh.

Brodeur turned aside 35 shots in all in securing the record. For him to do so, the Devils were going to need to pick up their play in the defensive zone because they looked horrendous in their own zone during the first period of Saturday's match up versus the Atlanta Thrashers, leading to three goals on six shots against Brodeur.

The first period was one to redeem themselves after the bad first period in their previous game. The Devils only got five shots on net however they got an early goal by Bryce Salvador to give them momentum. The Devils worked the puck around until it came to Dean McAmmond who fed the puck across the ice to the point where Salvador fired a snap shot to the far side, catching Fleury off guard. Brodeur was able to hold his ground, facing ten shots in the first stanza.

During the second period, the Devils controlled the game as they chased Fleury after scoring three goals on 16 shots. Niclas Bergfors contributed a power play goal just 23 seconds in as he ripped a shot from the top of the circle. This period was hotly contested, as Dean McAmmond and Maxime Talbot both were involved in a tussle, resulting in both receiving ten minute misconducts and roughing minors. Both Patrik Elias and Mark Fraser would chip in during the second to give the Devils a commanding 4-0 lead.

The third period was one of frustration for the Penguins, as they continued to pepper the goaltender with shots, however Brodeur turned aside all 14 shots, including a several chances by Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin in the final minute of the game. The strong play of Brodeur and the Devils ability to chip in offensively and intimidate their opponents resulted in a huge win not only for the Devils, but a personal milestone for Brodeur.

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