Devils' Schneider deserves to start for USA at World Cup

Cory Schneider wants to be the starter for Team USA at the upcoming World Cup of Hockey, and rightfully so.

The New Jersey Devils goaltender, who underwent offseason core muscle surgery, is looking to be in top form right out of the gate in order to win the race to be named the number one goalie at the tournament.

"My goal is to be the guy to play in that tournament, and in order for that to happen, I have to be ready," Schneider told Chris Ryan of NJ.com.

"With this USA camp, you better be good from the first practice because I think that's how they're going to evaluate us and figure out who's going to play."

His competition?

Ben Bishop of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Jonathan Quick of the Los Angeles Kings.

Both have been finalists for the Vezina Trophy and boast appearances in the Stanley Cup Final on their resumes, while Quick has the added benefit on being a member of two championship teams.

Schneider, however, has quietly outperformed both at five-on-five play over the past three seasons, without the aid of playing on a contending team.

Here's a look at the trio's numbers at five-on-five, generally regarded as a more precise barometer for success.

Schneider may not have the accolades of his American teammates but statistically speaking, he's been a better performer than the other two, a fact that made more impressive considering he's been featuring on a non-playoff team.

While he deserves to start in goal for Team USA, it is in all likelihood that he will not. At the very least, however, the experience should help him come out strong for a Devils team with eyes on challenging for a playoff spot.

"I only see it as a benefit, to get into that intensity and that level of competitiveness early," Schneider said of being included on the roster. "And then coming (back to New Jersey), whenever that is, I'll hopefully be feeling really good about my game and where I am."