No 'Staal'-ing here, Rangers in control

Redemption lives-at least in Hockey. After watching John Madden’s OT centering pass go off his skate and end in a Game 3 win for the Devils, rookie Marc Staal put the Rangers in a commanding 3 games to 1 lead in their first round series with the Devils.

Staal took Marty Straka’s third period pass and blasted the biscuit past Martin Brodeur for a 4-3 lead, 5-3 the final.

The Rangers are just the quicker, more talented team at this point. This series brings up the question: How good is/was Martin Brodeur? Brodeur is a few weeks away from turning 36-still an above average net minder. But in the Devs’ heyday he was seeing maybe 15-20 shots, not the 39 he was peppered with last night. Avery wasn’t a real factor last night, but New Jersey’s defense doesn’t protect Brodeur like they used to. Ranger fans complain that #30 is a product of the system the Devils play. There is some truth to that, but Brodeur is still a top five goaltender all time.

But enjoy it now Ranger fans. Montreal and/or Pittsburgh won’t be as easy to get through.

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