Longtime Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur says the Devils are ‘back to where we belong’
Legendary goaltender and Devils Vice President of Hockey operations Martin Brodeur has caught excitement over the Devils 2023 breakout season, according to theScore.
“This is what the Devils should be all the time,” Brodeur said, according to NJ.com’s Ryan Novozinsky. “It’s been tough for the fan base and for the people working in hockey. … We’re back to where we belong, having this place buzzing again.”
New Jersey has definitely been one of the most surprising teams this year in the NHL. As of right now, the Devils stand in second place in the Metropolitan division as well as third in the entire league.
A key to their success has been the breakout year of former first overall pick Jack Hughes. Hughes has 35 goals and 32 assists on the year for a total of 67 points in only 50 games. Another key to New Jersey’s success is goaltending, and Brodeur has caught an eye for it.
Vitek Vanecek has been the top goaltender this year for the Devils, and Brodeur has loved what he’s seen from the Czech Republic goaltender.
“It’s been nice to have somewhat of a stability in net,” Brodeur said, via theScore. “I think (Vitek Vanecek) has brought that. (Mackenzie Blackwood) coming back from injury, too, has given us some good games.”
Vanecek has a record of 23-5-3 this season with a .916 save percentage, and a 2.31 goals against average. This season, Mackenzie Blackwood has come back from injury and been a decent backup for Vanecek. Blackwood is 7-5-2 with a .899 save percentage and 3.12 goals against average.
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