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5 New Jersey Devils Players Who Could Win Awards

By Nick Villano

MONTREAL, QC - SEPTEMBER 21: New Jersey Devils center Nico Hischier (13) celebrates with teammates during the second period of the NHL preseason game between the New Jersey Devils and the Montreal Canadiens on September 21, 2017, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, QC (Photo by Vincent Ethier/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
MONTREAL, QC - SEPTEMBER 21: New Jersey Devils center Nico Hischier (13) celebrates with teammates during the second period of the NHL preseason game between the New Jersey Devils and the Montreal Canadiens on September 21, 2017, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, QC (Photo by Vincent Ethier/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

2. Cory Schneider: Vezina Trophy

Cory Schneider was awful last season. He was tied for 34th in the league with Steve Mason of the Philadelphia Flyers and Louis Domingue with the Arizona Coyotes for save percentage. The season prior, he was fourth in the league with a .924 save percentage. Something was seriously wrong with the Devils’ goaltender last season.

There is a lot of blame being given for Schneider’s bad season. Some say it’s what happens when a goalie turns thirty. Others blame a porous defense for leaving Schneider high and dry. Either way, I see it as highly unlikely he will have that sort of season again.

This defense isn’t much better, but it’s definitely improved. Ben Lovejoy is still on the team, but besides that there is hope. A slightly improved defense is all Schneider needs to turn it around in a big way.

Last year, Sergei Bobrovsky showed that turning a franchise around can do wonders for your Vezina Trophy case. After coming into the season with little expectations, Bob took the Columbus Blue Jackets on his back and carried them to the playoffs. Schneider can do something similar with this team. If Schneider can play like he did in 2015-16, this improved offense can stay alive late in the season. That could be enough the give Schneider the chance to win the Vezina for the first time in his career.

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