New Jersey Devils get bad news about their goaltending situation ahead of next season
Last season the New Jersey Devils were forced to use a league high 7 different goaltenders. When the season began the Devils appeared to be set in goal with Mackenzie Blackwood and Jonathan Bernier as their goalie tandem. Unfortunately that tandem was derailed by injuries. Combined the tandem only ended up appearing in 35 combined game.
During the summer the Devils went out and acquired Vitek Vanecek to help stabilize their goaltending situation. While many wondered why the Devils were willing to crowd their own crease, there may now be an answer.
On January 4th of last season, Bernier underwent hip surgery that ended his year. While the surgery was deemed successful that may not actually be the case. The surgery came with an expected recovery of 6-8 months, but Bernier is not progressing as expected.
The Devils have recently received news that there is zero chance Bernier will be ready to start the season with the team.
This opens the crease for both Blackwood and Vanecek to run with the goal, but will create a very interesting cap situation once Bernier is ready to return. That is, if he becomes ready to return.
| POLL | ||
Who will be the Devils starting goalie? | ||
| Vitek Vanecek | 44 | 37.9 % |
| Mackenzie Blackwood | 58 | 50 % |
| Jonathan Bernier | 14 | 12.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
