New Jersey Devils’ goaltender Martin Brodeur says ready to face off Henrik Lundqvist-NHL News
New Jersey Devils’ goaltender, Martin Brodeur, is upbeat about the challenge of facing off his New York Rangers’ counterpart and competitor, Henrik Lundqvist, as the two will be against each other protecting their respective nets in Game 1 of the Eastern
Conference Finals.
Even though it in no way looks to be a direct competition between them as both will be quite far apart from each other, stationed in front of nets at the two ends, Brodeur, during his media conference on Sunday, May 13, 2012, spoke of his preparedness to
successfully meet the challenge of the third matchup between the two netminders.
Brodeur and Lundqvist have been against each other two times before in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Brodeur said:
"I think it's a big rivalry. They're the best team in the Eastern Conference and they proved it all year. They got themselves the No. 1 spot, they used it for two Game 7s to be able to stay alive in the playoffs, and they're going to use it to have home
ice advantage right from the get-go on us.”
He added:
“So for us, we have to do what we've been doing, just put our head down and listen to our coach and just play well.”
Devils’ netminder admitted the fact that it will be very competitive game and both sides will have to work hard to claim the victory.
He is probably also aware of the fact that it will not be an easy ride against Lundqvist, who has the record of their meetings in his favour.
He is 23-6-6 against Brodeur in the regular season and 4-4 in the Stanley Cup Playoff series.
Devils’ goaltender acknowledged:
"I think it's because of him. I don't know how many times he's shut us down and played so well.”
There is no argument that Lundqvist’s class is different altogether. He has been named in a couple of best goaltender and player’s award to be given by the National Hockey League (NHL) this year.
His overall performance record is 8-6 with .937 save percentage, which apparently has surprised many shooters. His goal-against average is 1.68 goals per game.