Terry Sawchuk had 103 shutouts in his 21-year career. The goalie won four Vezina Trophies alongside four Stanley Cups, and even had his number retired by the prolific franchise that is the Detroit Red Wings. Hard to believe someone is about to eclipse that.
Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur, who himself has four Vezina’s and three Stanley Cups to drink from, moved within three shutouts of Terry Sawchuk’s record. In a 27 save effort on Sunday afternoon, the Devils conquered division rivals Philadelphia in a 3-0 win at the Prudential Center in Newark. Jamie Langenbrunner, the Devils captain, had a goal (20) in the first period off of a one-timer from Friday’s “Goal King” Zach Parise. New Jersey didn’t look back, as Brian Gionta (15) and Johnny Oduya (5) added goals as well.
Brodeur was able to fend off the returning Danny Briere, who missed 36 games with an abdominal groin injury. For Martin, it was overall victory #447, leaving him just four behind the all-time wins leader Patrick Roy. It was also Brodeur’s fourth shutout in thirteen overall games this entire season. New Jersey moved to 29-0-1 when leading after two periods this season.
For the Flyers, LW Simon Gagne was struck in the hand by a Brian Rolston shot, but he later returned to the game. On New Jersey’s side, D Paul Martin was slashed in the face by teammate John Madden’s stick, and then later struck by a Flyers’ stick by the boards. He is listed as day-to-day.
The Devils (41-19-3) temporarily moved into second place in the Eastern Conference, while the Flyers stay in fourth at 33-18-10.
