For nearly two decades it was a question never asked but when the National Hockey League season began, the debate raged. Had the time finally come for a changing of the guard in the New Jersey Devils net?

Even Martin Brodeur, the man who for 19 seasons and a record 1,172 games has jealously protected that small piece of ice as his personal property, was openly examining his future prospects.

But the only people wishing Brodeur an early retirement on Tuesday were the Toronto Maple Leafs and their fans as the Devils notched their fourth straight game with a 4-3 overtime victory.

"Everybody has to raise their game at this time of year," said Brodeur, who made 29 saves to collect his 22nd win of the season. "Definitely I'm part of it but there are a lot of guys doing it at the same time."

Carried on Brodeur's broad shoulders and some unexpected offensive muscle, the Devils, 9-1-1 since the All-Star break, have not only hauled themselves back into the playoff picture but into the top four of the Eastern Conference standings.

With just one loss in his last nine starts, Brodeur said it was hard to come up with a good reason not to keep playing. 

"I'm having a blast right now," Brodeur said. "I just want to continue this year, I'm having fun.

"We'll make a decision later on but definitely it is looking pretty good for me to come back next season." 

During his career, Brodeur has rewritten the netminding record book, with three Stanley Cups, four Vezina trophies for the league's best goalkeeper and two Olympic gold medals for Canada, but his competitive fires still rage.

 

Results

Buffalo 2-1 NY Islanders

New Jersey 4-3 Toronto

Pittsburgh 2-0 NY Rangers

Columbus 6-3 San Jose

Dallas 3-0 Montreal

Tampa Bay 3-2 Anaheim

Nashville 3-1 Vancouver

Philadelphia 5-4 Winnipeg

Chicago 2-1 Detroit

Edmonton 6-1 Calgary

Phoenix 5-4 Los Angeles