Devils Best Player in February: John Madden
Let's not forget about the superb goaltending of Martin Brodeur, who placed fifth last month in save percentage ( 92.5), while compiling a 9-3-3 record with a 2.09 goals against average. His nine victories tied Marty Turco for the monthly lead while Marty's 15 starts tied two others for the first place in that category.
John Fischer of Inlouwetrust selected Martin Brodeur as his February Devil of the Month, and righfully so. In fact, Brodeur's started the last 25 games for New Jersey and has rarely looked his age (35). It seems as if Brodeur picks up speed as the season progresses, definitely an unpleasant site for the opposition, which also includes an anti-Brodeur blogger (interesting read). Throughout the month, Brodeur "stole" wins for the Devils, who have struggled offensively since finishing their nine-game point streak (7-0-2). Brodeur earned five one-goal decisions and played on consecutive nights five separate times. I fully understand Fischer's selection. Yet, I respectfully disagree.
However, my vote goes out to John Madden, the 8-year veteran. Madden produced 4 goals and 7 assists in February with a plus 6 rating. He also netted a shorthanded tally and a game winner. In the beginning of the month, Madden added 5 of his 7 helpers, leading NJ to wins over Pittsburgh and Los Angeles. Later, Madden helped NJ to its first win of the season over the Islanders, scoring a key first period shorthander.
One must also calculate Madden's defensive prowess. In that same Islanders game, a 4-2 Devils win, Madden and his penalty killers stopped all three power play chances. From Feb. 6-26, a span of 11 games, Madden and Co. finished 33-35 on the penalty kill. During that stretch, the Devils recorded wins in 7 of the 11 contests. In fact, they only lost once, a 2-1 defeat to Anaheim. After that tough loss, Madden manufactured an assist and +2 in the next game and eventually a personal season-high four-game point streak, including goals in three straight games. Both streaks tied career highs for Madden, most recently accomplished two seasons ago from March 28-April 2.
Relatively speaking, the team proudly accepts whatever offensive production Madden brings to the table. The Devils expect Elias, Parise and Gionta to tally, not Madden. Instead, Madden's on pace for single season career highs in goals, assists and points. He's not only a viable candidate for the Frank J. Selke Trophy this season, awarded to the league's top defensive forward, he's the team's fourth leading scorer.
I nearly forgot to mention Madden spent zero minutes in the penalty box this past month. He's a competitor with a strong work ethic and continues to skate against some of the league's fastest offensemen. The team's reliability on Madden to contain Hossa, Ovechkin and many other dynamite scoring threats has helped lead New Jersey to a 37-23-6 record, including 9-3-3 in February, in which the team allowed 32 goals in 15 games, an average of 2.13.
Madden's goal in the extra frame against Washington also briefly advanced the Devils into the Eastern Conference lead for the first time since April 2001.
I vote for John Madden as the Devils Player of the Month of February.
Note: Madden did not compete during every minute of every Devils penalty kill.
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