The 2022-23 season saw the results of a decade-long New Jersey Devils rebuild. The Devils had the third-best record in the NHL during the regular season and reached the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, winning their first playoff series since 2012. Following a big season, the Devils will have higher expectations next year. To meet these expectations, certain players must step up their game.
A lot of Devils stood out during the 2022-23 season. Superstar Jack Hughes tallied 99 points, a franchise single-season record. Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt joined Hughes in the 30 goals club. Dawson Mercer had a breakout year with 56 points. John Marino played shutdown defense. Vitek Vanecek became the only Devils goalie besides Martin Brodeur to hit 30 wins in a season. Luke Hughes sparkled in his NHL debut, showing he was ready to make the leap from college hockey.
Some players who shined in the regular season struggled in the playoffs. Others struggled throughout the year, either hampered by injuries or unable to gain momentum. Then there are young players looking to make an impression and show they belong with the Devils in the NHL. These players must come out strong next year to help the Devils continue working towards the Stanley Cup.
3. Vitek Vanecek
Goaltender Vitek Vanecek was a brick wall for the Devils during the 2022-23 regular season. He quickly became a fan favorite after signing a three-year deal with the Devils during the 2022 offseason. “Vitek!” chants filled the Prudential Center whenever Vanecek was in goal. With 33 wins, a .911 SV%, and a 2.45 GAA, Vanecek provided stability for the Devils between the pipes.
VITEK 👏 VANECEK 👏
— NHL (@NHL) December 10, 2022
Just a simply remarkable save right here. pic.twitter.com/RvNAxIcFkK
After he collapsed during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, though, Vanecek has plenty to prove next season. Following a couple of rough starts during Round 1, there was concern that Vanecek wouldn’t be able to carry his regular season success into the playoffs. The fears came true, as Vanecek went 1-3 with an .825 SV% and a 4.64 GAA in seven total appearances. He was terrible during the Round 2 series against the Carolina Hurricanes. Vanecek was far from the player the Devils were used to seeing. He looked uncomfortable and utterly lost.
Do the Devils have reason to worry about Vanecek? He played in three playoff games with the Washington Capitals during the previous two seasons. His stats from two of those three starts weren’t great, but that was a small sample size. His appearances in the 2023 playoffs formed a larger sample size, and the numbers also weren’t good.
One explanation for his poor playoff performance is that Vanecek was exhausted by the time the playoffs came around. The regular season was filled with injuries for goalie Mackenzie Blackwood, putting pressure on Vanecek to play almost every night. He delivered all throughout the regular season, so it was hard to replace him.
Vanecek’s workload was more than he was used to. He started in 48 games during the 2022-23 season, appearing in 52 games overall. He started in 39 games during the 2021-22 season and 36 during the 2020-21 season. During his time in the AHL with the Hershey Bears, Vanecek never played more than 39 games. His higher workload this past season may have caused him to lose steam. Now that he’s experienced the workload of a number one goalie, the hope is that he won’t lose steam next season when playoffs come around.
Vanecek is a strong goalie who is a big contributor for the Devils. He has proven he can handle the regular season, but he’s yet to show he can deliver in the playoffs. If the Devils are going to be a Stanley Cup contender over the next several years, they will need goaltending that can withstand the pressure of the playoffs.
Next year, Vanecek’s task is to show the Devils there’s no need to panic about their goaltending. His goal is to prove he can have a strong regular season and a strong playoff performance. The team can only reach the next level if they are confident in the goalie they have behind them.