Vanecek ready to take Devils playoff mantle from Brodeur against Rangers

NEWARK, N.J. -- Vitek Vanecek had something in common with Hockey Hall of Famer Martin Brodeur in his first season with the New Jersey Devils.

Vanecek, acquired in a trade with the Washington Capitals on July 8 before signing a three-year contract 11 days later, became the second goalie in franchise history to win 30 or more games in a season.
Brodeur did it 14 times with the Devils, including the last time in 2011-12 (31-21-4). That was also the season New Jersey last played the New York Rangers in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, winning the best-of-7 Eastern Conference Final series in six games, the Devils' last playoff series win.
Vanecek, 27, is hoping for similar results when the Devils and Rangers renew their postseason rivalry. Game 1 of the Eastern Conference First Round best-of-7 is at Prudential Center on Tuesday (7 p.m. ET; TBS, SN360, TVAS2).
"He understands where he's at in his game and what he needs," Brodeur told NHL.com. "He's not a young goalie and with the way he plays the game, he needs to be fresh because he competes so hard, sometimes even to a fault. The way he practices, plays, his work ethic, attitude, it's been really refreshing for everybody around here."
RELATED: [Complete Devils vs. Rangers series coverage]
The three-time Stanley Cup winner, who serves as New Jersey's executive vice president of hockey operations these days, appreciates the way Vanecek has provided stability and confidence this season after New Jersey cycled through a team-record seven goalies due to injury or illness in 2021-22.
"His compete level gives him a great opportunity," Brodeur said. "I think he's obviously excited to be able to be in this position with this team and I don't see anything dropping off in the playoffs. Obviously, it's going to be hard, it's a different animal. But he knows what he's getting into, even though he hasn't had that much experience in it."
Vanecek was 33-11-4 with a 2.45 goals-against average, three shutouts and .911 save percentage in 52 games (48 starts) in his first Devils season. He's looking forward to the playoffs despite just three games of postseason experience with the Capitals. He was 1-1 with a 4.25 GAA and .855 save percentage in his three playoff games with Washington.
"I'm preparing the same way because if you think about it too much, your game is probably going to be [bad]," Vanecek said. "The best goalie is when he's not thinking and just playing hockey. I know the playoffs are much different. Players are getting to the net, they're screening more, but they're not going to shoot harder. Maybe there's more hits, more blocked shots. So, I'm not saying I got to prepare differently. I just got to be the same and just play the way I know how."
Brodeur likes that mindset, but also offered some advice.
"He knows what he's getting into, even if he hasn't had that much experience in it," he said. "The one thing as a goalie in a playoff series is you have a chance to face the same guys seven times in a row. The preparation for a goalie in the playoffs is really to understand where the chances will come from, the habits of the shooters. There will be bumps along the way, but it's how you're able to overcome them that's going to make you successful or not."
New Jersey coach Lindy Ruff said Vanecek has come through in big moments time and again this season.
"I think there were times where he was tested, physically and mentally," Ruff said. "There were tough spots, but he always answered the call so that's the reason I believe in him. I think playoff experience does help, but the only way you get it is to play, feel comfortable, confident, and believe in what you're doing."
One area that has worked in Vanecek's favor is his puck-handling ability, making it easier on his defensemen. It's also reminiscent of what Brodeur was able to perfect in winning three Stanley Cup championships with the Devils (1995, 2000, 2003).
"Everyone can see he's got a good confidence in the net, but what's also underrated is how he plays the puck," New Jersey defenseman Dougie Hamilton said. "I think that's a huge thing for us as a team, as defensemen. I don't know if people talk about that, really, when it comes to Vitek, but it's definitely a big deal for us."
Backup goalie Mackenzie Blackwood missed time this season because of a knee injury in November and lower-body injury in February. He's 10-6-2 with a 3.20 GAA and .893 save percentage in 22 games (20 starts).
"You want to play but you take the role you're given and you make the most of it," the 26-year-old said. "I love Vitek. He's an amazing partner and we have a good friendship, so obviously I'm happy for him. I want him to get a shutout every single game. I want him to be the best, but my job is to stay ready in case they need me."
Akira Schmid, a 22-year-old rookie, finished 9-5-2 with a 2.13 GAA, one shutout and .922 save percentage in 18 games (14 starts). He was 4-1-2 with a 2.02 GAA and .925 save percentage in his last nine games (seven starts) of the regular season.
If Schmid is chosen as the backup to begin the postseason, he's ready.
"It's still just a hockey game," he said. "Obviously, it's going to be more intense. You just try to make the least amount of mistakes in order to give your team the best chance to win.
"With Vitek, he just works so hard every day in practice. He's the first guy out, does extra work. I just try to learn from it, try to work just as hard, but he's been great all year."