Devils 1, Bruins 0: Goaltending continues to shine

Led by Vitek Vanecek, the Devils were able to get back in the win column on Monday night.

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A few observations from New Jersey’s 1-0 victory over the Boston Bruins:

Vanecek answered the bell

Vitek Vanecek was one of the best players on the ice, which I didn’t envision being necessary for the Devils to get a win.

It’s not that the Devils were routinely hemmed in the defensive zone or suffered breakdown after breakdown, although there were a few. It was just a really scrappy, sloppy game.

The Bruins played to their identity – and to their lineup – and worked hard to make things messy. They weren’t dancing defenders or creating in transition. They were simply throwing pucks on net and turning everything into a scramble drill. Vanecek, thankfully, was always in the right spot with an answer.

He tracked pucks well, fought through contact, ate up rebounds, and even made a couple big saves on breakaways. He looked really sharp.

The Bruins generated 11 Grade A chances and 2.20 expected goals. Watered down lineup or not, it’s impressive Vanecek gave them absolutely nothing to show for it.

Through three games, Vanecek has now stopped 52/55 overall and 17/18 when it comes to high-danger chances. He’s not giving Mackenzie Blackwood an inch.

Holtz impressed