Vitek Vanecek Making Case For Roster Spot As Islanders Weigh Options

Vitek Vanecek stopped 20 of 22 shots in a 2-1 preseason loss to the Devils, auditioning for a backup or third-goalie role with the Islanders. Signed to a one-year, $1 million deal, the 30-year-old hopes to bounce back after posting a 5-13-3 record, 2.94 GAA, and .883 save percentage across 22 games with Utah last season. Coach Pete DeBoer noted that carrying three netminders remains a possibility depending on Semyon Varlamov's health and the threat of losing Vanecek on waivers.