Martin Brodeur might have capped off his career in the best way possible.
Martin Brodeur registered his 125th career shutout tonight, the adding onto his NHL record. This shutout came in tonight's win over the Colorado Avalanche, in what could be Marty's final game as a member of the St. Louis Blues, and possibly his career.
Martin Brodeur needs no introduction. He'll be a first ballot hall-of-famer and will go down as arguably the best goalie ever to play the game. He hasn't been spectacular in his short stint for the Blues, but tonight's shutout might have just been the icing on the cake for a great career.
He's won 691 games at the NHL level, no doubt the that total would be higher if it wasn't for three different NHL lock-outs. At 42 years old, there is no certainty in Brodeur's future playing career. He's closing out an amazing career, and is just nine wins away from the magic number, 700. While it would be outstanding to see Marty to reach the 700 mark, he's running out of time, and running out of options.
Brian Elliott is close to returning, and could be back in the net as soon as tomorrow. When Elliott returns, the Blues will be carrying three goalies. Both Elliott and Jake Allen need time in the net. I just don't see how the Blues can keep Marty on the team for a prolonged period of time.
The Blues played a strong overall game. Limiting Colorado's chances all over the ice, helping out their goaltender, and they got some timely goal scoring as well.
Dmitrij Jaskin, who arguably played his best game of his short NHL career tonight, put the Blues up 1-0 just 28 seconds into the second period. Jaskin found a way to chip the puck under the pass of Semyon Varlamov.
Paul Stastny picked up the puck after Varlamov whiffed on it, and fed it to Jaskin, registering his first assist against his old team. Stastny's assist on Jaskin's goal gives Stastny a point against all thirty teams in the NHL. It was his first point against his former club.
Just four minutes later, Chris Butler scored his first goal as a member of the St. Louis Blues. Butler pinched into the zone, taking a short pass from T.J. Oshie, and drove to the net. After a slick move, Butler lifted a backhanded shot short side on Varlamov to give the Blues a two goal lead.
Vladimir Tarasenko set a career high in goals as he scored his 22nd goal of the season late in the third period. Tarasenko intercepted a Colorado Avalanche pass, and as soon as the puck hit the ice and touched Tarasenko's blade, it was in the back of the net.
Tarasenko has a killer wrist shot, possibly one of the best in the league, and he's truly blossoming into a star.
The Blues shutdown the Avalanche the rest of the game, securing the shutout for Brodeur.
The Blues are off to Nashville tonight to battle the Predators tomorrow night. Ken Hitchcock hasn't named a starter for tomorrow's game, as Brian Elliott might be good to go as soon as tomorrow. Check back tomorrow for more.