There can be no argument — it's not even close yet — in the 'debate' over who's better: Marty or Henrik

ABOVE: Henrik Lundqvist 

The Canessa Commentary
By Kevin Canessa Jr.

No surprise, it's happening again.

Not sure how or why, either, quite frankly, given how poorly both teams have played all season long.

Still, there are fans of the New York Rangers who, rightfully so, will defend their goaltender to the death. I can understand that. Completely.

But when they make comparisons of Henrik Lundqvist to Martin Brodeur — even to this very day — I cannot help but laugh.

The so-called "King" hasn't even approached the same goaltending stratosphere as Brodeur. Not especially when you compare their first seven-and-three-quarter seasons.

The sheer numbers alone — the post-season numbers are the only ones that matter — are where it's most striking.

Let's take a look at Lundqvist's post-season numbers.

In his career, he's won a grand total of four series — one against Atlanta, another against our Devils — and Ottawa and Washington last year.

Four series — in seven years.

In Martin Brodeur's first season, he won three — against Buffalo, Boston and Philly.

And in the season next, four — Boston, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Detroit.

Seven series victories in his first two seasons. Three more than Hank's had in eight (six, really, considering one year, he didn't make the playoffs — and this year still a question).

In total, Brodeur won 15 series and two Cups (three Finals appearances) in his first eight NHL seasons, whilst missing the playoffs once in that span (1995-96).

That alone is enough to stop the silly comparisons.

The statistics speak for themselves and tell a great story —
there is no rightful comparison between Martin Brodeur
and Henrik Lunqvist. Hank isn't even close to Marty
territory yet. But that could always change
 in the future, can't it?

But let's take the years Lundqvist has been in the league — starting with the 2005-06 season, and compare the two.

His first playoff appearances were hideous. The Devils swept the Rangers that year — and he was so bad, Kevin Weekes got a start in that series (a loss).

In the same time frame — despite an age difference of 10 years and three months, Brodeur has won five series to Lundqvist's four — and head-to-head, Brodeur leads 2 series to 1.

So even in the modern era — this so-called King — the man so many in New York have anointed the second-coming of Christ, he still doesn't have the numbers or statistics to back it up.

There is no question Lundqvist has was it takes to be considered an elite goaltender. But he hasn't even been to the Finals yet — let alone he hasn't yet won a Cup.

It's fun to compare players. It happens to Brodeur all the time — especially when the name Patrick Roy is mentioned. But sorry — comparing Henrik Lundqvist to Martin Brodeur is like comparing the Mets to the Yankees. One is a lifetime winner. The other gets a break here and there, but wins nothing big ultimately.

Perhaps in 20 years, we'll look back and say: "Boy that Lundqvist was the best there ever was." For Rangers fans, I hope you all get that opportunity.

But for now, it's an apples-to-oranges comparison.

It's not even close.

The two names shouldn't be even considered equals at this point because they're not.

One wins constantly. The other has accomplished nothing.

I'll accept the argument, perhaps, after he's got two rings.

For now, carry on.

This argument shouldn't have happened in the first place.