Throughout the summer of 2023, we'll take a glance back at some of the Devils players and their 2022-23 season. This week we focus in on newcomer Vitek Vanecek.
Vitek Vanecek's first season in New Jersey brought much-needed stability in the net for the Devils. While the intention was to enter the NHL season in a 1A-1B fashion, and the season certainly started out that way, Vanecek grabbed hold of the starter's reins and backstopped the Devils to 33 wins, becoming the first goaltender since Martin Brodeur to have a 30-plus win season for New Jersey,
Vanecek was a big part of the early season success for the Devils when the group went on a run of 13-straight victories between Oct. 25 and Nov. 21. The netminder had a string of 10 straight wins over the run, to set a new career-high. He well surpassed his total minutes from the year prior with the Washington Capitals, on the ice for 2,915:34 minutes, compared to his 2,317:23.
Vanecek had three shutouts this season and is one win short of 75 career wins.
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Vanecek endeared himself to the Devils fan base not only through his on-ice play but also by letting his personality shine through on more than one occasion. Vanecek, who in good times, enjoyed poking fun during his media scrums, was always good for a laugh. Serious when he needed to be, he was always on board to do fun things away from the ice, including giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at the Devils' annual Sweep the Deck.
Vitek Sweeps the Deck | FEATURE
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Vanecek certainly had a way of making his media scrums fun. A trend this season became Vanecek referring to himself in the third person, which always entertained the media and fans alike.
"It's really nice to go like that. I'm really proud of the Vitek," he said after a Jan 27 win against Dallas, "I hope he gonna keep going and the team do the same thing like what they doing."
