Thursday will mark the end of an era in Newark.
The Devils announced Wednesday that former Vancouver Canuck Cory Schneider will start in net when the team begins its season against Pittsburgh, marking the first time since 1993 that a goalie not named Martin Brodeur has started a season opener for New Jersey.
Brodeur, who is entering his 21st NHL season, was originally announced as the team’s opening-night starter, but after the death of his father, Denis, last week, Devils coach Peter DeBoer elected to give the veteran an extra night off.
“[It] ended up being a fairly easy decision just based on the last week and a half Marty’s had and what he’s dealt with,” DeBoer said. “It was more the timing that he could get an extra day to prepare after what he’s been through.”
Instead, the Devils will turn to Schneider, who was 7 years old the last time Brodeur sat out a season opener. The Boston College usurped Roberto Luongo as the Canucks’ primary goaltender last season, posting a 2.11 goals against average and .927 save percentage in 30 starts.
Brodeur will not be out of the net for long, however. Reports indicate he will get the nod against the Islanders on Friday.
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