Schneider counting on continued growth of defense corps

Cory Schneider hopes the Devils' young defense continues to take strides this season. (Photo: Getty Images)

NEWARK, N.J. -- It's no secret the New Jersey Devils are going to thrive or dive this season with their young group of defensemen wrapped around veteran leader Andy Greene and new additions John Moore and David Schlemko.

That's all well and good with goalie Cory Schneider as long as Adam Larsson, Jon Merrill, Eric Gelinas and Damon Severson realize how important they are to the team, act like it, and grow into impact players because of it.

Schneider, 29, is banking on that happening, because he's not banking on having another losing season, regardless of what the outside expectations are…