Martin Brodeur is the greatest goalie the NHL has ever seen. I would be remiss not to mention Brodeur's fantastic play this post season. Game one against the Rangers showcased his ability to make the impossible save even as he sails by his 40th birthday. There are others up there on the list too, but his consistent play and longevity have moved him into a league of his own. This Rangers/Devils series will be the official passing of the torch as Henrik Lundqvist is now cementing his place as the best goalie alive.
The Rangers pitiful offense is well documented, but look at these numbers! The LA Kings have played 10 playoff games and scored 31 goals. The Ranger have played 15 games and tallied 32 goals. The team the Rangers now face, New Jersey, has 36 goals in just 13 games. That of course includes Lundqvist shutting out the Devils in game one.
The true sign of a great athlete in any sport is not just making it look easy, it's making the extremely difficult look even easier. Lundqvist's calm demeanor between the pipes, and cool collected technical style have backstopped the Rangers to an impressive run through the playoffs. The best part is he is only half way done. He delivers consistently like Brodeur. He has learned to play the puck deftly like Brodeur. He makes every save a goalie is expected to make and then some, like Brodeur. Lundqvist gets it. He thrives under pressure and plays each moment like it's overtime in game seven of the finals. Opposing players know it's a blessing when they slide one by him. Jonathan Quick and Mike Smith are having nice post season runs of their own, but let us all take notice of what Lundqvist is doing in New York and watch as the torch is officially passed.
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