Cory Schneider was expected to be the man in net when the New Jersey Devils made their return to the postseason.
Instead, as the team makes a push for a playoff spot, the goaltender finds himself on the bench. He hasn't won a game since Dec. 27 and has failed to recapture his high-end form since returning from an injury that kept him out for 16 games.
Based on the way Keith Kinkaid has been playing in his stead, not even Schneider can argue with the decision.
"At this time of the year, it's not about any one individual player, it's about the team and whatever is best for the team and Keith has been playing fantastic the last month and a half," Schneider said, according to Mike Morreale of NHL.com. "Even if I was playing well, Keith would give us a good decision to have in net one way or another."
Kinkaid's been dialed in this month, posting a record of 6-3-0 with a .931 save percentage. Meanwhile, the Devils sit in the second wild-card spot, one point up on the prowling Florida Panthers.
For his part, Schneider is doing his best to remain prepared if and when he's called upon.
Cory Schneider and goalie coach Rollie Melanson discuss matters as Keith Kinkaid takes shots prior to start of morning skate. Kinkaid to make 3rd straight start tonight pic.twitter.com/1xKFjANJIA
— Mike Morreale (@mikemorrealeNHL) March 27, 2018
"For me, it's about working hard, competing, and being ready when it's my turn," he said. "You look at the past two Stanley Cup championships by the Penguins, and they needed both guys (Matt Murray and Marc-Andre Fleury) down the stretch, so you never know what could happen."
Through 39 appearances this season, Schneider has posted a save percentage of .909, well below his career average of .920.
Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.