Bruins 2 - 3 Devils
Final
  for this game

Brodeur wins in possible final game with Devils

Apr 14, 2014 - 12:57 AM Newark, NJ (SportsNetwork.com) - Martin Brodeur started for possibly the last time in New Jersey, and posted a 16-save effort to give New Jersey a 3-2 win over Boston in the final regular-season game for both teams.

The 41-year-old Brodeur, who has led New Jersey to three Stanley Cup titles during two decades with the club, will be a free agent and hasn't made clear his plans for next season. He hasn't ruled out either retiring or, coming back for the 2014-15 season possibly for a team other than the Devils.

A first-round pick by New Jersey in 1990, Brodeur has spent his entire career with the Devils and the future Hall of Famer has racked up numerous NHL records during his career, including most wins (688) and shutouts (124).

"These things are hard, I've spent all my life here," said Brodeur. "A lot of the fans that are out there think they know me by my name and I feel they know me. They've been calling my name for 20 years. It kind of means a lot because it's something, it's a relationship that people have with the people that supports him. It was definitely fun, but it was a little emotional."

Marek Zidlicky scored twice and Travis Zajac gave a goal and an assist for the Devils (35-29-18), who snapped a three-game slide to end the season.

Boston (54-19-9) finished off a season that saw the team clinch its first Presidents' Trophy since 1989-90 and the team will open the playoffs hosting the Detroit Red Wings on Friday.

"Once you're in playoffs, anybody can win," said Boston goalie Chad Johnson. "Doesn't matter who you're playing. Everybody is going to be bringing their A game."

Loui Eriksson and Brad Marchand scored and Johnson turned away 28 shots for the Bruins, who lost five of their last seven games to close out the campaign.

Zidlicky got the Devils on the board at 7:12 of the first period as he skated down the right wing and went behind the net, stuffing in a wraparound from the left side.

Boston tied the game with 32 seconds left in the opening period on the power play as Eriksson finished off a nice passing play with a one-timer from the low right side.

After a scoreless second period, the Devils took a 2-1 lead at 3:52 of the third as Zajac tapped in Jaromir Jagr's pass from in front for his 18th of the season.

Zidlicky's one-timer from the top of the left circle at 6:13 of the third gave New Jersey a 3-1 lead.

Marchand scored on a backhand off a rebound with 16 seconds left to account for the final margin.

Game Notes

New Jersey missed the playoffs for a second straight season ... Jagr, 42, had two assists in the game and tied Steve Yzerman for sixth-place all-time in points with 1,755. He led the Devils with 67 points this season ... New Jersey went 21-11-9 at home this season ... Boston was 23-12-6 as the guests.






Related News