Stephane Matteau attends Brodeur's ceremony 'out of respect'
Martin Brodeur saw many key figures in attendance at the Prudential Center on Tuesday as his No. 30 was retired by the New Jersey Devils.
While former Devils defensemen Scott Stevens, Ken Daneyko and Scott Niedermayer were naturally there, and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman was also in attendance - and promptly booed - the appearance of Stephane Matteau likely raised a few eyebrows.
Tears and cheers. #SaluteMB30 pic.twitter.com/78NpNRmA32
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) February 10, 2016
Yes, the man who beat Brodeur to the post to score on a wraparound in double overtime of Game 7 of the 1994 Eastern Conference final was in attendance on Brodeur's special evening. Via NorthJersey.com:
"I asked (current Devils center - and son - Stefan) if I could get the tickets because I knew it would be a great ceremony and part of the history. Marty's the greatest goalie of all time and I knew it was going to be a great ceremony.
"I was low profile. I wanted to witness it because those are great moments that you don't see often. We've been linked together for a lot of years now even though we never really met or chatted for a long time. With all the respect that I have for him, I wanted to be there out of respect mostly."
A four-time Vezina Trophy winner and 10-time All-Star, Brodeur set NHL goaltending records in wins (691), shutouts (125), games played (1,266) and minutes played (74,439) while capturing three Stanley Cup titles.
On #NJDevils fan base: "It’s one of the best ones, because they’re so personable. They’re true fans.” #SaluteMB30 pic.twitter.com/WRhiXiffz5
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) February 10, 2016
Perhaps it could've been four had it not been for the then-22-year-old Matteau, whose timely goal sent the New York Rangers to the Stanley Cup final against the Vancouver Canucks. The Blueshirts outlasted the Canucks in seven games to win their first title since 1940.
Congratulations @MartinBrodeur ! I will be at the ceremony watching the raising of the legends jersey tonight ! @NHL @MSGNetworks @NJDevils
— Stephane Matteau (@SMatteau) February 9, 2016
