Brodeur enjoying Devils' success: 'We're back to where we belong'

Count Devils executive vice president of hockey operations Martin Brodeur among those who are enjoying New Jersey's breakout 2022-23 campaign.

"This is what the Devils should be all the time," said the legendary goaltender, according to NJ.com's Ryan Novozinsky. "It's been tough for the fan base and for the people working in hockey. … We're back to where we belong, having this place buzzing again."

After ranking among the bottom five teams in the league in three of the past four seasons, New Jersey currently sits second in the Metropolitan Division with a 35-13-5 record and looks set to make the playoffs for the first time since 2018. Additionally, the team tied a franchise record with 13 consecutive wins in November.

The Devils are among the top three teams in the league in virtually every single underlying category at five-on-five this season, including goals for percentage (58.7%), expected goals for percentage (54.9%), shot attempts for percentage (53.6%), and scoring chances for percentage (55%), per Natural Stat Trick.

Brodeur has been particularly encouraged by the improvements he's seen in New Jersey's crease. The Devils allowed the third-most goals (986) from 2018-19 to 2021-22.

"It's been nice to have somewhat of a stability in net," Brodeur said. "I think (Vitek Vanecek) has brought that. (Mackenzie Blackwood) coming back from injury, too, has given us some good games."

Vanecek owns a 23-5-3 record, a .916 save percentage, and a 2.31 goals against average in his first season with the Devils. Blackwood has put up a 7-4-2 overall record and a .913 save percentage since returning from a knee injury Dec. 21, while rookie Akira Schmid has registered a .919 save percentage across nine appearances.

For comparison, the Devils used a whopping seven goalies last season, and only one - Jonathan Bernier - logged a save percentage over .900. New Jersey ranks eighth in team save percentage (.925) at five-on-five this season after being among the 10 worst teams the previous five seasons. (The team finished dead last in that category in 2021-22.)

Brodeur, 50, won four Vezina Trophies and three Stanley Cup championships with the Devils during his career. He owns the all-time NHL records for most wins (691), shutouts, (125), and games played (1,266).