24 years! That’s how long it took New Jersey to find a goaltender who would be the first since Martin Brodeur to make a winning NHL debut for the Devils. He was Scott Wedgewood. Yes, the one from whom probably few expected it, especially when he was waiting for the desired premiere for almost six seasons, he beat his way around the farms. Almost a decade has passed since then. And Wedgewood continues to surprise. All but the Canadian legend with the 30 posted in the Prudential Center.
NHL leader in goals-against average.
At the top in the number of wins.
Also among the absolute elite when it comes to the success of procedures.
In short, Wedgewood is one of the best goalkeepers this season, his name is mentioned in connection with the Vezina Trophy and the Olympics. That a long-time farmer could go to the most prestigious of international events?
It doesn’t shock Brodeur: “I know Scott very well and I’ve always liked his work ethic. He’s always done everything he can to keep improving. He deserves to be talked about in the Olympics.”
The holder of the most prestigious goalkeeping records also gives a specific example: “I know that to this day he calls Jacques Caron, the former goalkeeping coach here in New Jersey, about once a month. They talk about goalkeeping and everything. He is a student of hockey, game development.”
On Wedgewood, in an interview with NHL.com, he appreciates how he was able to adapt his style. Current trends and NHL level.
“I think he’s relying on his instincts more than he used to. He had to go through a couple of seasons before he reset that in his head… When he ended up with the Avs’ Mackenzie Blackwood at the end of the season, Scott took advantage of it,” noted Brodeur, who has watched Wedgewood for a long time.
He was ready. And he helped Colorado enter the regular season with confidence. This ride continues until now, with one change – the recovered No. 1 Blackwood claims a more significant workload. Together with his thirty-three-year-old partner, they form a wonderful tandem.
Wedgewood is well known to Brodeur thanks to two stints that one of the sensations of the current year completed with the Devils. The second ended bitterly… As an unwanted and redundant fighter, Wedgewood found himself on the list of unprotected players.
“I was already working at the club back then. We didn’t have a choice, there were six goalkeepers available and someone had to be out of the round… I joked with Devils GM Fitzy (Tom Fitzgerald) about this topic, we admitted that we must have made a mistake. It’s great to see how Scott is doing now.”
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