Vanecek

Vanecek and Shesterkin were outstanding the second period.

Whether it’s a goalie who keeps you in games like Vitek Vanecek or a top puck-moving defenseman like Dougie Hamilton, the Devils have no shortage of game-changers.

Wild center Joel Eriksson Ek (14) tried to stuff the puck past Devils goaltender Vitek Vanecek in the first period of New Jersey’s 5-3 victory at Xcel Energy Center on Thursday night.

With goalie Vitek Vanecek off for an extra attacker, Hughes beat goalie Elvis Merzlikins with a wrist shot.

Colin Miller and Kevin Bahl will fortify the blue line, restricting shooting lanes and angles to the net, providing goaltender Vitek Vanecek ample opportunities for crucial saves.

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — John Marino scored the go-ahead goal late in the third period and Vitek Vanecek made 35 saves as the New Jersey Devils beat the Colorado Avalanche 5-3 on Tuesday night.

With David Vanecek and Connor Shaughnessy arriving, plus the return of the club’s long-term absentees, Craig Levein is largely set for the remainder of the season.