sportsfanIQ

Last week, Martin Brodeur became the all-time wins leader for NHL goaltenders when he recorded his 552 in a 3-2 win against the Chicago Blackhawks.  At 36 years of age, Brodeur passed another NHL great, Patrick Roy.  Roy, who played nineteen seasons with the Montreal Canadiens and Colorado Avalanche, was 38 when he retired.  Brodeur, who will turn 37 in May, seems to have a few good years left in him.  Which ultimately begs the question: Who's better?

For the sake of our discussion, let's juxtapose both careers and let you decide.

When you compare the statistics, Martin Brodeur clearly prevails.  His 552 wins, obviously, are one atop Roy's 551.  Brodeur's 100 shutouts, more impressively, easily surpass Roy's 66.  His career goals against, a 2.20 versus Roy's 2.54.  Roy's best goals against, 1.94 in 01-02.  His worst, 3.35 in 85-86.  Brodeur, on the other hand, posted a best 1.88 in 96-97 and a worst 2.57 in 05-06.  

Some argue Brodeur has benefited from the overtime rule change.  (Beginning in the 2005-2006 season, ties were no longer a factor.  The NHL implemented a shootout system to award one team an additional point, thus giving a goaltender greater odds of earning a win.)  To this point, the new format has afforded Brodeur 26 additional wins.  

To counter this argument: Brodeur lost an entire season when the NHL locked out their players for the 2004-2005 campaign.  Up until this year's 4-month bicep injury, Brodeur held a twelve-year streak of at least 30-win seasons, and four times in that span, not including the last three for OT rule changes, Brodeur topped 40 wins.  So basically, take away his additional 26 OT wins, replace them with a conservative number of 30 wins for the 04-05 season, and Brodeur makes history at roughly the same time.  

Comparing their respective team accomplishments and individual accolades, though, appears to give Roy a slight edge.  He's won one more Stanley Cup than Brodeur (4 & 3), and in three of those four, led his team by winning the Conn Smythe Trophy for Most Valuable Player in a playoff performance (1986, 1993, 2001).  In contrast, Brodeur, during his three Stanley Cup runs, did not win any.  

He did, however, lead Canada to a gold medal in 2002.  In addition, Brodeur has won one more Vezina Trophy than Roy (4 & 3), an award given to a goaltender deemed to be the most valuable to his team throughout the regular season.  Roy, in turn, has earned one more All-Star game appearance (11 & 10).  But the tiebreaker is character.

Brodeur has been a standup individual for his sport.  His on ice behavior represents the NHL in a respectable and classy manner.  Roy, to his detriment, twice cried foul.  In 1995, after an 11-1 loss to the Detroit Red Wings, Roy was upset and embarrassed he wasn't replaced during the blowout.  Afterwards, Roy claimed he'd never play for the Canadiens again.  He was traded four days later.  

In 1998, Roy refused to allow, ironically, Brodeur to start in the Bronze Olympic game.  Canada went on to lose and Brodeur told all in his autobiography, "Brodeur: Beyond the Crease", that he's never forgiven his childhood idol for it.  Maybe these instances are irrelevant, but the reputation of an athlete goes a long way.  Don't believe me?  Think Bonds, Clemens and A-Rod.     

Regardless, the decision is not easy.  Both goaltenders have achieved enormous notoriety throughout their careers and both will one day share occupancy in the Hockey Hall of Fame. (Roy was inducted in 2006.)  The overwhelming factor: Brodeur still has years ahead of him.  

Granted this past season he suffered the first major injury of his career, which would imply a physical deterioration.   But since returning, Brodeur's reminded the NHL why he's the best, posting back-to-back shutouts in his first two games (99 & 100 of his career).  He's been fortunate to play for a remarkable franchise, but which great athletes who've won throughout their careers haven't? 

During the remainder of Brodeur's career, even if his teams are lackluster, he'll still produce average numbers.  He'll win at least 20 games a season, giving him an additional 40 wins - assuming he plays as long as Roy - and leaving him with around 600 career wins.  He'll post a few more shutouts, retiring with the most all time.  And he'll still have a shot at matching Roy's four Stanley Cup wins.  

So who's the better goaltender?  Considering this writer's a New Jersey Devils fan, it's all a matter of perspective.