Is Martin Brodeur Starting to Go Downhill?
Martin Brodeur can easily be considered one of the best goalies ever to play in the NHL. But just like some other aging goalies (Chris Osgood) Brodeur is starting to age. With the aging comes the wear and tear that are to be expected. He played only 30 some games in 2008-2009. This year he has only played 50.
Martin Brodeur's stats may look similar to his stats when he was in his prime but he is starting to become inconsistent. He may not be as close to retirement as Osgood but he is slowing down (Osgood and Brodeur share the same birth year). Both Osgood and Brodeur will be 39 this year.
With a struggling team in front of him, it would be a lot of weight to put on an aging goalie's back. But, with no solid number-two goalie, the Devil's really don't have a choice. Brodeur has been doing his best to hold his team together for the time being. I seriously believe Brodeur could play another five years if he doesn't encounter any serious injuries. Who knows, though, he may get tired of having to put the team on his back and carry them. He may choose to retire sooner.
Like I referred to earlier you really couldn't tell his struggles just by looking at his stats. He has maintained is save percentage in the low .900's. With his team and current inconsistency this could change very quickly, though.
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