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5 Reasons To Watch New Jersey Devils Hockey

By Nick Villano

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 02: New Jersey Devils defenseman Egor Yakovlev (74) skates out for a shift during a game between the Boston Bruins and the New Jersey Devils on March 2, 2019, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MARCH 02: New Jersey Devils defenseman Egor Yakovlev (74) skates out for a shift during a game between the Boston Bruins and the New Jersey Devils on March 2, 2019, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
(Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

4. Cory Schneider/Mackenzie Blackwood Combo

How long did we wait to see something, anything out of Cory Schneider to show he’s at least an NHL caliber goalie? This guy who was once an elite goaltender couldn’t stop shots. These weren’t even high-danger scoring chances, these were softies that were getting past him every single night.

Now, Schneider gives the Devils a chance to win on most nights. Sure, he still puts up a stinker now and then, but we are learning that’s just what happens to goalies over the age of 30. Jonathan Quick has nights where he’s terrible. Henrik Lunqvist plays in games where he’s the reason the New York Rangers lose. Nothing was as bad as what Schneider was, but it’s nice to finally see him playing competent hockey.

Then there is Mackenzie Blackwood. He’s reason by himself to watch Devils hockey. Not only does he keep the Devils in games, but he does everything in his power to win them. His side-to-side movement is insane, and he’s got the poise of a goalie 10 years his senior. He doesn’t let the craziness that is playing behind this defense change his game.

Cory and Mackenzie are the starting two goalies for the foreseeable future. Schneider is signed for three more seasons after this one. Blackwood has one year left on his entry-level deal, then he becomes a restricted free agent. Barring injury, buyout or Blackwood forgetting how to play, this will be the goalie tandem for the next three seasons. It’s nice to get a preview.

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