New Jersey Devils net minder Cory Schneider will make his return to the team during their seven-game road trip and will make at least one start in the net, according to Devils head coach John Hynes.
Schneider was recalled from his conditioning assignment with Binghamton of the American Hockey League and practiced Monday, and will backup Keith Kinkaid as New Jersey takes on the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday evening.
“It’s more excitement and eagerness than nervousness,” Schneider said (h/t NHL.com). “To compete again, at this level, it’s fun. The way it ended last year in the [Stanley Cup] Playoffs, you have that feeling in your mind, and that’s the level you want to get to again.”
Kinkaid is 5-2-1 with a 2.12 GAA and .925 save percentage over 8 games this season.
“It was the first time in a while [Schneider] has had his own net in an NHL practice and it was 55 minutes of good work,” Hynes said. “I think it’s important we take it day by day with the goalies. Kinkaid will play Tuesday, but we do have a back-to-back situation coming up (Nov. 5-6 against the Pittsburgh Penguins and Ottawa Senators). Cory for sure will get in, but I can’t guarantee which game that will be.”
