Mission objective: Take over the throne

By: Randy Sobel

To be named The King, one must overtake the man on the throne. If Henrik Lundqvist is to wear the crown as the NHL's top goaltender, he'll need to displace division rival Martin Brodeur, who has set a high standard for young goaltenders looking to match his accomplishments.

Despite a tenure in the league that dates back to before there was a World Wide Web and has included four Vezina Trophies for Best Goaltender, and three Stanley Cups, Brodeur has showed no signs of slowing down. The 36-year-old started 77 games last season, and an additional 5 playoff games during which the Devils were sent home in the first round, eliminated by the Rangers. Brodeur has been successful against the Rangers in the past, but the last three years have been a struggle since being opposed by Henrik Lundqvist.

About preparing for games against Lundqvist and the Rangers, Brodeur said "Right now I just take it really as another game. I think there's a lot more emotion involved in the rivalry games like that. I think you have success a certain way; you got to make sure you do the same thing over and over to recreate that success."

From the 2001-2002 season until the lockout year in 2005, Brodeur led the Devils to the playoffs on three consecutive occasions, including a Cup win in 2003. As the Rangers were ensconced in a rebuilding period, Brodeur played 16 games against the bitter rival, dominating them with a record of 9-1-6. (Ties included)

But when the Rangers rediscovered the art of winning, the Devils saw the magnificant play of Lundqvist override the performance of their own Hall of Fame goaltender. These past three years Henrik has led the Rangers to an 11-2-4 record, adding two playoff series where each have split their winnings.

As both teams prepare to kick 2008-2009 into high gear, Lundqvist is primed to enter his prime and follow in the footsteps of one of the most successful goaltenders in NHL history. As for that man, Brodeur's got a few records he'll be looking to break, including number one for all time wins. The No. 1 priority for each one, of course, remains the same -- bringing home the Stanley Cup trophy.

Brodeur may be able to breathe easier when contending with the Blueshirts this season. During last season's playoffs, Brodeur and then Ranger Sean Avery had a few confrontations on the ice. Avery was caught doing the Power Play Dance in front of Brodeur's goal, and Marty was not a fan of his dancing skills. (Neither were NHL officials who created the "Sean Avery Rule" because of it.) Marty was so unimpressed by his dancing that he refused to shake his hand at the end of the series. Now, Avery will be square dancing in Dallas with the Stars. When asked about not having to face him six times this season, Brodeur responded, "Yeah, that's fine with me. I don't have a problem with that." Whether the Devils' netminder will continue to have problems winning against the Rangers, well, that remains to be seen.