Martin Brodeur, Patrick Roy and Henrik Lundqvist are tied for most Game 7 playoff victories all time with six apiece . Playing in ten such contests, Brodeur sports a mark of 6-4. Below, a ranking and scope of their importance.
Eastern Conference Semi-Finals, 2001: New Jersey Devils 5 – Toronto Maple Leafs 1.
Toronto was a bit too economical in this one. After a Steve Thomas power play tally gave the Leafs a 1-0 lead midway through the first frame, the Devils clamped down big time. Brodeur staved off 15 of the 16 shots sent in his direction and New Jersey piled on five goals to seal a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Eastern Conference Quarter-Finals, 2012: 2OT New Jersey Devils 3 – Florida Panthers 2.
Coming off an extra session victory in Game 6, Brodeur and company battled through a two OT Game 7 at Florida. While Adam Henrique book ended the scoring, Brodeur turned back a whopping 43 shots, including 12 in OT, as New Jersey edged Florida, 3-2.
Eastern Conference Quarter-Finals, 1994: New Jersey Devils 2 – Buffalo Sabres 1.
The lone postseason duel between a young Brodeur and Dominik Hasek. While Hasek made an impressive 44 saves, it was Brodeur, aided by tallies from Bruce Driver and Claude Lemieux, turning back 17 of 18 shots to preserve the victory.
Eastern Conference Finals, 2003: New Jersey Devils 3 – Ottawa Senators 2.
At Ottawa, Brodeur was able to fend off 24 of 26 shots, including 12 of 13 in the third frame. A pair of Jamie Langenbrunner tallies, coupled with a late marker by Jeff Friesen, provided the scoring for New Jersey. The win helped the Devils reach the Stanley Cup Final.
Eastern Conference Finals, 2000: New Jersey Devils 2 – Philadelphia Flyers 1.
Despite the Devils getting out shot 27-18, Brodeur stood tall in net. Brodeur warded off 26 of 27, only letting up a power play tally to Rick Tocchet. Patrik Elias posted two goals and the Devils overcame a 3-1 series deficit to clinch ab Eastern Conference crown. It was Brodeur’s first Game 7 victory on the road and helped the Devils reach the Stanley Cup Final.
Stanley Cup Final, 2003: New Jersey Devils 3 – Mighty Ducks of Anaheim 0.
Game 7 capped off a run of Brodeur’s postseason record seven shutouts. Brodeur recorded his third shutout of the Final, registering a flawless 24 saves against the Ducks. New Jersey received a marker from Mike Rupp, and two tallies by Friesen. Somehow, it wasn’t enough to warrant a Conn Smythe trophy for Brodeur but it was more than enough for Brodeur and the Devils to clinch a third title in franchise history.