The New Jersey Devils were in a myriad of goaltending rumors this entire offseason, but nothing ever happened with them. In fact, they have fewer legitimate goalie options this year than they did last year after trading Mackenzie Blackwood to the San Jose Sharks. Vitek Vanecek is still in New Jersey, but he has major questions about his role after a terrible playoff performance.
Vanecek was benched before Game 3 of the first round against the New York Rangers. That decision by Lindy Ruff won them the series. Akira Schmid, who took over for Vanecek, was splendid throughout the series. He bailed the Devils out on multiple occasions, helping them take a breath and come back to force Game 7, which they won. As we approach the season, Schmid and Vanecek seem to be the duo.
The Devils do have veterans Erik Kallgren and Keith Kinkaid signed to deals, but nobody is looking for them to make the roster. If a trade doesn’t happen, we’re probably looking at a Vanecek-Schmid duo.
Many have theories as to why the Devils starting netminding was terrible in the playoffs. The most prevailing theory is he was tired. Vanecek played 52 games last season heading into the playoffs. The year before, he played a then professional career-high 43 games (if you count the one game he played with the Hershey Bears).
Vanecek hadn’t played this many games since 2013-14, when he was jumping between leagues in Czechia and the World Juniors (along with 10 other international games). Vanecek actually carried his team to the WJC U18 Finals, but he lost to Team USA (a team that had Auston Matthews, Jack Eichel, Kyle Connor, Dylan Larkin, and Noah Hanifin on it). That was almost ten years ago, and to be frank, he had issues with the workload all the way back then.
The Devils should look to the NBA for the answers. Stars like Joel Embiid can win the MVP while also being managed. Teams will sit players to make sure they stay healthy and primed for the playoffs. The Devils can do that with Vanecek.
Look at the stats. He struggled in February and March before bouncing back at the very end of the season. Yet, just showing up for the Devils at the last moment may have cost him.
It will take some cooperation from Lindy Ruff. He needs to lay off the gas pedal when Vanecek is riding hot. If the Devils can keep Vanecek’s workload to 40-45 games, he should be fine in the postseason. The Devils need to find a way to see if it is nerves. He played terribly in the postseason, and it was apparent with how he made saves. If that’s due to headspace, take him out and put in Schmid. For now, an even split in the regular season might be just what the doctor ordered for the postseason.