The Day Martin Brodeur and Patrik Elias Made NHL History
Sixteen years ago today, New Jersey Devils fans left Prudential Center buzzing with excitement after their team triumphed 3-2 over the Chicago Blackhawks. The victory wasn’t just about the win itself; it was also a milestone moment for two Devils legends, who set franchise and NHL records that would forever alter the course of the sport for future players. With Martin Brodeur becoming the winningest goaltender in NHL history and center Patrik Eliáš becoming the Devils’ franchise leader in points, the Chicago Blackhawks had no chance against the dominance of these two players. The game marked a defining chapter in the legacy of the Devils, solidifying their place in hockey history.
Martin Brodeur stopped 30 shots to defeat the Chicago Blackhawks in 2009, earning his 552nd regular-season win. This victory allowed him to surpass goalie Patrick Roy, known as "St. Patrick," for the most wins in NHL history. Over his career, Brodeur added 139 more wins, finishing with an impressive total of 691 victories. This record still stands today, with Marc-André Fleury currently in pursuit with 573 wins.
During the same game, Patrik Eliáš became the New Jersey Devils' franchise leader in points by recording his 702nd career point. Late in the second period, Eliáš assisted Brian Gionta on a shorthanded goal, making the score 3-0 at the time. With this achievement, Eliáš surpassed John MacLean, who finished his 14-season career with the Devils having scored 347 goals and 701 points. Today, Eliáš remains the Devils' all-time points leader with a total of 1,025 points.
The New Jersey Devils victory over the Chicago Blackhawks was memorable not only for the win itself but also for the record-setting accomplishments of Martin Brodeur and Patrik Eliáš. In that game, Brodeur set the NHL record for the most career wins by a goaltender, while Eliáš became the Devils' all-time points leader—both records that still stand today. Their achievements marked a defining moment in the franchise’s rich history. Tonight, sixteen years later, the Devils face the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena. With Jesper Bratt having tied the franchise record for assists in a single season, previously held by Scott Stevens, there's a chance Bratt could break the record—potentially making it two franchise milestones achieved on the same calendar date.
