"Inconsistent" would be a kind way to describe New Jersey Devils goaltending legend Martin Brodeur's performances in the postseason for the last several years.
To wit: Brodeur was weak in Game 3 vs. the Florida Panthers, shut out the Cats in Game 4 and then … well, this was part of a 3-0 Florida victory in Game 5 to give the Panthers a 3-2 series lead. Ouch:
You can actually feel Marty getting older on that play, as Scottie Upshall scored goal No. 2 for the Panthers.
As you can see, Brodeur was hamstrung by the trapezoid behind the net, which was put in place back after the lockout to ensure that Brodeur couldn't play the puck like a third defenseman. In fact, it's casually known as the Martin Brodeur Rule. On this one, he waited for the puck to enter the zone where he could handle it, causing some confusion with Bryce Salvador, leading to Kris Versteeg setting up Upshall. Yikes.
Florida can eliminate the Devils on Tuesday. If Jose Theodore gives them another terrific 30-save performance, they may just do it.