Marty Rebuilds the Wall With New Bricks

Martin Brodeur brings back his infamous "J" mask for the new season. All I can say is "thank the Lord!" Most people including myself felt that the old "J" mask gave him luck throughout his career, and ever since he switched to the MB30 mask he's been injured for extended periods of time, scored on countless times, and giving up easy goals.

Marty used the "J" mask for 15 years before switching to the MB30 design. In 1992, Brodeur was called up on emergency for the injured Billington and Terreri from the Devils' AHL affiliate in Utica. He had no mask to wear so he used his Utica helmet which was plain red with the word "Devils" written on the side. When he was called up in the 1993-94 season he wore the "J" mask we know today never adding the "N" because he wasn't sure how long he'd be in the NHL. After the tremendous 1994 rookie campaign he never switched it. Over the following nine years he won three Stanley
Cups wearing the "unfinished logo J mask".

Then is 2008, he debuted the MB30 mask to mixed reaction from fans. A month into that very season he took a shot from an Atlanta Thrasher on the shoulder which seemed harmless but it turned out he tore a muscle and was out for 16 weeks. He was just a few wins shy of the 551 wins record held by Patrick Roy. He returned to get his 99th shutout of his career against the Colorado Avalanche in his very first game back from the injury. He tied the 551 record in his home town of Montreal. Then on St. Patrick's day 2009 he broke the record in front of a sellout crowd at the Prudential Center against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Now for the 2011-12 season the "J" is back. The MB30 logo is almost superimposed onto it which I honestly find pretty cool. The padding is awesome. I love the old-style "waffle" blocker.

Martin Brodeur is certainly the greatest goalie in the NHL, and the greatest goalie in the world needs to personalize himself and this is how he does it.


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