His team was the model of excellence, and there is no question why Martin Brodeur was, and is, the face of the New Jersey franchise that had one of the greatest enduring runs in the annals of pro sports in these parts.
Because not only was winning all he and they did, baby, it is all No. 30 ever cared about while carving a place in history and in the hearts and minds of Devils fans everywhere, save percentages and fancy stats be damned.
“As a goalie, if you don’t have that as a model you’re in trouble,” Brodeur, who recorded what appears to be an unassailable NHL record of 691 victories, said before his number retirement ceremony in New Jersey on Tuesday.