In the 2023 NHL Playoffs, the New Jersey Devils had their hopes spoiled partially by some rotten Vitek Vanecek performances. Going into the season, Vanecek was a known commodity. Akira Schmid stole the show, but he’s still unproven, which begs the question – would a Vezina Trophy-caliber upgrade like Connor Hellebuyck make sense?
After the last 30 years, for better and for worse, no fanbase understands the importance of goaltending more than the New Jersey Devils fanbase. Martin Brodeur was as good of a goaltender as anyone could have hoped for, and wound up inspiring bundles of confidence in his teammates en route to becoming arguably the greatest goaltender ever.