Martin Brodeur Only 14 Wins Away from Hockey Immortality

I consider myself to be quite the Devils fan. After all I was lucky enough to grow up while Martin Brodeur was coming up in the system, and winning all those games.

In my opinion, the early stages of New Jersey's 2008-09 season will be clearly focused on Marty and the 14 wins he needs for the all-time record.

Today was a little disturbing for me.  I read a few hockey magazines while at Barnes & Noble. I was astonished that all these publications are picking the Devils to get the seventh or eighth seed—and maybe even miss the playoffs.

Are you kidding me? Marty hasn't retired just yet.

I will admit when he hangs up the skates, the winning will go away real fast.  I know that. Here is the thing—the Devils don't have the defense the once had with Stevens, Niedermayer, Rafalski, Daneyko, and White—but they have some guys who play quality minutes and can do some damage.

Zach Parise will continue to improve his game. and I predict Travis Zajac will net 20 to 25 goals. Don't forget, New Jersey still has Patrik Elias and Brian Gionta.

One of the big off-season moves by Lou was acquiring retro-Devils Brian Rolston and Bobby Holik. They both bring experience and leadership. Rolston will demonstrate his skills on the power play, and hopefully Holik will have the same toughness.

As long as Brodeur is the netminder, the Devils will make the playoffs. But the key to the season is Kevin Weekes.

Brodeur has to play less. He is 36 years old—and last year's first round disaster with the Rangers proved it. He just ran out of gas.  Hence, for a good season and deep playoff run Marty can't play more than 70 games—meaning Weekes has to step up big time.

Will the division be tough?  Every game will be—but that's normal. The Penguins, Rangers, Flyers, and Islanders are all getting younger.  While the Devils are aging, they have the experience.

Can't wait for the season to start!