Is New Jersey Devils’ Cory Schneider Ready To Face The Pressure Of Being A Starting Goalie?
By Nick Villano
@nick_villano
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The New Jersey Devils made a lofty investment to make sure they were ready once Martin Brodeur was no longer able to be a starting goalie. They traded the ninth overall pick in the 2013 draft to the Vancouver Canucks for Cory Schneider. At the time, it looked like Lou Lamoriello had won yet another trade in his tenure.
While Bo Harvath has played well in the Canucks’ system, it still looks like the Devils will come out the winner if Schneider can bounce back. The problem is, he looks great at times and awful at others, the latter particularly when the Devils need him the most. On Friday night, the Devils gave Schneider a three-goal lead against the Detroit Red Wings. It became a one-goal lead before the end of the second period.
The defense has not done Schneider any favors this season. This is the worst season that Marek Zidlicky has had in a Devils uniform. He can’t seem to stop making mistakes on the defensive end. When Bryce Salvador is in the lineup, he looks too slow to play with some of the NHL‘s best. The defense as a whole has been worse than expected. Still, Schneider is expected to bail them out.
The way this season has gone is not Schneider’s fault. There is a trend that is worrying, however. His statistics have not matched what they were last year when he was splitting time with Brodeur. Now that the pressure is all on him, can he continue to play at an elite level?
In his six years in the league, Schneider has never been the undisputed starter. He has always been the other option. While he was always a great option, it isn’t going the same this season. Some could blame workload, while others say the scheme isn’t working. Schneider needs to overcome any issues to carry the Devils if they are going to hold onto any dream of postseason play.
The Devils locked up Schneider until the 2021-22 season. They clearly believe he is their future. He needs to play like he has in the past to reach the same heights this franchise has been used to.
Nick Villano is the New Jersey Devils writer for Rant Sports. He also adds to the site’s NBA, MLB and NFL content. You can follow him on Twitter or add him to your Google circle.
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