New Jersey Devils: Which Players Need to Prove Themselves This Season?

Vitek Vanecek

There is one position holding the Devils back from being the league’s top team. Goaltending has been an issue for the Devils for the past several seasons. However, the Devils got a taste of solid goaltending in Vitek Vanecek last year.

In his first season, he had a very good year, with a .911 save percentage and a 2.45 GAA, which is the highest of his career. He had three shutouts the whole year, including one against the defending Stanley Cup Champions in the Avalanche. If he can replicate the same regular season he had last year, the Devils can finally end their goaltending woes.

His biggest concern, however, is in the playoffs. Against the Rangers, he allowed nine goals in the first two games and couldn’t stop most of their shots. Because of the bad performances, Ruff decided to take Vanacek out before Game 3 and put in Akira Schmid. However, against the Hurricanes, the same thing happened to Schmid, and Vanecek was inserted into Game 3 and won.

Unfortunately, in Game 4, he was again taken out after giving up five goals. This season means a lot for Vanacek because it could go one of two ways. If the Devils get there, Vanecek could have a solid regular season and a strong postseason. However, if things go wrong for him by March, Vanaeck could end up being replaced by a particular Winnipeg goaltender who could make himself available by the trade deadline. Vanecek needs to prove that he wasn’t the lousy goalie everyone saw in the playoffs and showcase he can do it in the regular season and playoffs. That’s the goal of what Vanacek needs to prove this year.