https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0j3y3-noIU

Sometimes, a picture is worth a thousand words. That was the case yesterday following a Devils 3-2 win over the Bruins in their final game of the season. For perhaps the final time in a storied career, Martin Brodeur won his league record 688th game.

After making 16 saves in front of overwhelming support from a home crowd that saluted him with trademark “Marty” and “Marty’s Better” chants, an emotional Brodeur was sent back out by teammates at center ice. He saluted the fans who have supported him from the beginning. If this was indeed it, he got to go out with one more victory and was serenaded with “Thank you, Marty!” chants as he left the ice.

”It was a little emotional,” the living legend said. ”I have spent my life here. All the fans out there know me. They think they know me by my name, and I feel they know me.

”They have been calling my name for 20 years. Every time they stop me and talk to me, they are great. It’s a relationship that an athlete has with people. It was definitely fun, but it was emotional.”

”It just seemed like the right ending for everything he has done for this organization,” teammate Travis Zajac said. ”Whatever happens, it just seemed right to get him that win.”

Brodeur is the NHL all-time leader in wins (688) and shutouts (124). A three-time Stanley Cup winner who’s spent his entire career with the Devils, he is one of the all-time best. He hasn’t made up his mind if he’ll continue. If it was indeed his final game, he was given a nice compliment from another living legend.

”He did something that no one is ever going to do again,” Jaromir Jagr praised after recording two assists to pass Gordie Howe for eighth all-time with 1,050 in his Hall Of Fame career. ”I would say it’s comparable to Wayne Gretzky’s numbers.”

”If this is his last game, it is (cool) to have scored,” Boston’s Brad Marchand said after scoring on the game’s final shot. ”I should have (grabbed) the puck.”

Afterwards, Brodeur left open the idea of a return. But admitted that it would have to be in a reduced role. The Devils will become Cory Schneider’s team. At 28, he’s in his prime and ready to become a full-time starter.

”It’s not out of the question that the Devils will be in the running for me to come back,” Brodeur said. ”I haven’t talked to Lou [Lamoriello] about what he wants to do with backing up ”Schneids,” Brodeur said. ”Again, if I am mentally ready to do that job, I am going to look for the Devils a little bit.

”Right now I’m keeping everything open. We’ll see what he feels is the best for the organization. It’s not about me anymore. I’m free. He’s not stuck with me anymore.”

No matter who you cheer for, it was a great moment at Prudential Center Sunday. Even as a rival fan blogger, I got choked up watching the end. Ten years ago, I sat at MSG with family and friends as we saluted Mark Messier one final time. Yesterday was Brodeur’s moment with Hasan and Devils fans. One that shall be remembered forever.