5 Ways New Jersey Devils Season Can Be Saved
By Nick Villano
Scenario 2: Goaltending finds a way to stay above a .910 save percentage
Nico Daws has been doing his best to keep the Devils afloat while Vitek Vanecek has been hurt. He started seven games in a row before Akira Schmid finally took a start on Sunday against the Lightning. Schmid wasn't awful, but he did allow a terrible goal in the third to make it 3-1.
If the Devils are going to do this, they need above average goaltending. Daws has been giving them that over the past few weeks, especially when it comes to high-danger chances against. Daws has said the hip surgery he had last offseason helped him with his mobility. Now, he's getting to those big saves that he couldn't reach in seasons prior.
This could also come from a player outside of the organization. The Devils are still heavily involved in talks with the Predators and Flames and other teams on the market for their star goalies. It's probably less likely now than it was a month ago, but the chance is still there, and it could save the Devils season.
It all comes down to price. If the Devils come up a ton or if the price comes down, something may happen. If not, the Devils need Vanecek to come back healthy and much better. They also need Daws to sustain and avoid the stinkers like the Rangers game.