As NHL goalie week comes to an end it only seems fitting to take a look at some iconic Devils goalie moments in franchise history. According to an article on the NHL website goalie week is “Reveling in the uniqueness and artistry of puck-stoppers through the decades.” From playoff appearances to shutout wins, the Devils goalies are a group of guys that have seen it all.
The Iconic Devils Goalie Moments Span Across Years
Sean Burke‘s OT Win Against the Chicago Blackhawks
Sean Burke was a part of the Devils from 1988 to 1991. During his time with the team he played 162 games with a total of 62 wins. His iconic moment comes in the form of an overtime win. While he wasn’t the one scoring the goal he was in net for the entire game. It was the final game of the regular season and the Devils were playing against the Chicago Blackhawks. The game had been tied a little after the halfway point of the third period thanks to a goal from John MacLean. After making some great saves from Burke in overtime, MacLean managed to score the game winning goal. That win also managed to send the Devils to the playoffs for the very first time.
Date of game: April 3, 1988.
Martin Brodeur‘s Goalie Goal
A goalie goal isn’t uncommon in the NHL but anytime it happens it’s always a bit of a surprise. Brodeur spent 22 years of his NHL career as a Devil before signing a tryout contract followed by a one-year contract with the St. Louis Blues. Brodeur retired in 2015. Throughout his career, Brodeur became a goaltending icon for Devils fans. It seems only fitting that his goalie goal was one that was done in style. During the first round of the 1997 playoffs against the Montreal Canadiens Brodeur’s goal helped secure the 5-2 Devils win. His goal marked the second time a goalie’s scored in the playoffs. The only other goalie to do so was former Philadelphia Flyers and New York Islanders goalie, Ron Hextall.
Date of game: April 17, 1997.
Scott Wedgewood‘s NHL Debut
Wedgewood signed an entry level contract with the Devils in April 2012 but didn’t make his NHL debut until 2016. After spending four years in the minors he secured a 2-1 win in his debut in a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. This made him the first Devils goalie since Brodeur to win during his debut. Wedgewood was called up to fill in for Cory Schneider who was out with an injury. During his second game four days later, Wedgewood shutout the Pittsburgh Penguins who, at the time, were on a six-game win streak.
Date of games: March 20, 2016 and March 24, 2016.
Mackenzie Blackwood‘s Back to Back Shutouts
Towards the end of his time with the Devils, Blackwood was dealing with injuries which lead to a decrease in his performances. However, having a rough season, especially one due to injury doesn’t mean a player isn’t good at what they do. One of Blackwood’a highlights during his time with the Devils is when he recorded back to back shutout wins. Back in 2019 quite literally right before the New Year Blackwood helped the team secure wins against both the Carolina Hurricanes and the Vancouver Canucks. His back to back shutouts marked the first time a goalie was able to do so in Devils history.
Date of games: December 29, 2018 and December 31, 2019.
Akira Schmid Shuts Out the Rangers
A memory from recent Devils history that most fans will remember comes from last year’s playoffs. After falling behind and losing thee first two games of the series against the New York Rangers. They regained their footing during the following three games. Part of this was due to Schmid shutting the Rangers out during game five. The Rangers evened the series out and forced a game seven where Schmid shut them out for the second time earning the Devils a series win in front of their home crowd at the Prudential Center and a few extra bragging rights for the offseason.
Date of games: April 27, 22and May 1
Main Photo: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
