In being selected to his first All-Star game, Cory Schneider becomes the fifth New Jersey Devils goalie to do so. Schneider joins Martin Brodeur, Craig Billington, Sean Burke and Glenn “Chico” Resch. Schneider will be the lone Devils representative on the Metropolitan Division squad.
Not surprisingly, Schneider ranks in the top ten in all major goaltending categories. On the season, Schneider is first in games played (34), seventh in wins (17), third in saves (895), seventh in save percentage (.927), fourth in goals-against average (2.06), sixth in shutouts (three) and second in minutes (2,034). At the midway point in the season, New Jersey is ten points (45-35) better than they were at this juncture last season and Schneider is a huge reason for that.
As Schneider readies for his first All-Star experience, we look back at the aforementioned Devils’ All-Star netminders.
Martin Brodeur (1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2007 and 2008):
Across nine games, Brodeur went 3-1 with a goals-against average of 7.33. In his first All-Star game in 1996, Brodeur was the Eastern Conference starter, turning aside all 12 shots sent in his direction. The 1997 game saw Brodeur stop nine of 13 shots in the second stanza. In 1998, Brodeur helped team North America to victory, saving nine of eleven shots in the third frame. Brodeur started the 1999 game, stopping eight of nine shots in what was Wayne Gretzky’s final All-Star game in Tampa. The 2000 contest featured Brodeur in the second period, with Marty saving eleven of 13 shots. During 2001, Brodeur played the third, stopping 18 of 23 shots in victory. In 2003, Brodeur saved eight of nine shots. Brodeur got the start in 2004, turning away ten of eleven shots. In his final All-Star game in 2007, Brodeur saved ten of 16 shots. Brodeur was selected in 2008 in Atlanta but couldn’t play.
Craig Billington (1993):
The 1992-93 campaign saw Billington post 21 wins, an .876 save percentage, 3.67 goals-against average and two shutouts. Playing for the Wales Conference, in a 16-6 win, Billington saved ten of 14 shots in the third period. It was the final All-Star game at the old Montreal Forum.
Sean Burke (1989):
During the 1988-89 season, Burke won 22 contests, posting a .874 save percentage, 3.84 goals-against average and three shutouts. Burke started the All-Star game at Edmonton, for the Wales Conference, in a 9-5 loss. Burke played 29:58. Burke became the first rookie to be named starter via the fan vote.
Glenn “Chico” Resch (1984):
In 1983-84, Resch finished seventh in Vezina Trophy voting. Resch posted a save percentage of .871, goals-against average of 4.18 and one shutout. Playing on home ice at the Meadowlands, Resch entered the game in the second period and played 29:54. Resch recorded the victory in a 7-6 Wales Conference win.
