New Jersey Devils Mid-Term Report Card
Goaltending
Nov 18, 2014; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; New Jersey Devils goalie Cory Schneider (35) makes a save on Winnipeg Jets forward Matt Halischuk (15) during the first period at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
Cory Schneider has often been the subject of criticism this season for the New Jersey Devils, but realistically speaking, Schneider and backup Keith Kinkaid have both played much better than people give them any credit for.
Schneider’s stat line may seem pedestrian at best, with a goals against average of 2.41 and a save percentage of .920, ranking 18th and 13th in the league in those categories, respectively. But what is hidden in those statistics is the fact that Schneider leads the league in the following categories:
- Games Played – 41
- Time On Ice – 2,337 minutes
- Shots Faced – 1,169
- Saves Made – 1,075
Schneider ranks second in the NHL with 19 losses this season, and receives a lot of flak from fans for allowing the fifth-most goals in the league at 94. But when you take into consideration that teams have fired at will at the Marblehead, MA native this season, in part because of the Devils’ defensive inability to contain opposing offenses, Schneider’s play has been spectacular.
Kinkaid has done a respectable job coming in to serve as Schneider’s backup, as well. The 25-year-old has posted a .913 save percentage and a 2.54 goals against average in nine games, pretty much in line with what you can expect from a backup.
Overall, the Devils’ netminders have been excellent, and have given the team a chance to win on a nightly basis, despite the offense’s inability to score.
Mid-Term Grade: A-
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