John Tavares and Patrik Elias pose for the official puck drop at Barclays Center with Bruce Ratner and Charles Wang all smiles.
Julio Cortez/Associate Press

For seemingly ever, they’ve chanted “Marty’s Better” in New Jersey. Now, it looks like the torch is being passed to another goalie. Since being acquired by the Devils on Draft Day from the Canucks, Cory Schneider has already lifted Devil spirits. Even in preseason, the 27-year old netminder has given his new team exactly what they expect. A bright future that will make the red and black tough to beat.

So far, he hasn’t  been beaten in five periods. After blanking the Rangers for two on Monday, Schneider went the distance for the shutout against the Islanders in their Brooklyn debut at Barclays Center. He stopped all 26 shots in a 3-0 preseason win. The former Canuck made several strong stops including a sprawling save early that set the tone. His rebound control was superb. It looks like former coach Alain Vigneault is right. Cory’s on the upswing. The new chant could be “Co—ry, Co—ry,” at Prudential Center for years to come.

The interesting story is Pete DeBoer already named Martin Brodeur the Opening Night starter. The Devils start the season on the road at Pittsburgh before returning home two nights later to host the Islanders. Is this the season Marty doesn’t get the first home game? It’s still early. But Schneider’s looked extremely sharp. Brodeur allowed four goals to the same Islanders the other day. Granted. The Devils didn’t play some of their A listers.

Tonight, Patrik Elias made his debut. Playing with Damien Brunner, the two had instant chemistry combining on Elias’ tally and setting up Jacob Josefson. Josefson had a strong game netting a goal and assist. He got the first goal when he steered home a rebound past Evgeni Nabokov after a power play expired. They took a 1-0 lead into the locker room. The second marker was a beaut by Elias. Taking a perfect feed from Brunner, he whistled one top shelf. The kind of skill that’s made Elias the Devils all-time scoring leader. Brunner was much better in his second game tallying a pair of helpers. How long before he signs? The Devils have approximately $3.5 million in cap space. So, it shouldn’t be an issue. Steve Bernier got the other goal on the power play when a puck went off his stick and in.

The Islanders had their chances. But even with over 14,689 turning out for the big event, they couldn’t beat Schneider. They had a few power plays in the second. Some close calls. But Schneider turned away Matt Moulson. Most of the regulars played including new captain John Tavares, Kyle Okposo, Frans Nielsen, Josh Bailey, Lubomir Visnovsky, Travis Hamonic, Colin McDonald and Matt Martin. Johan Sundstrom played on the fourth line. One Islander who impressed was defenseman Matt Donovan. The D prospect looks like he might stick. The 23-year old has spent two seasons in Bridgeport fine tuning his skills. He put up 48 points (14-34-48) last season along with 112 penalty minutes. A former ’08 fourth round pick who is a solid skating puck moving type that looks steady in his end, Donovan can certainly help the Isles’ back end.

Barclays Center CEO Brett Yormark was thrilled with the turnout. ”When you sell over 13,000 for a preseason game, we’re thrilled,” Yormark said. ”We know we can sell hockey in Brooklyn. Twenty-six percent of (the) ticket buyers are from Brooklyn.”

Currently, Barclays can seat up to 15,813 for hockey. They can fill 17,732 for Nets and college basketball while seating 19,000 for concerts. The Islanders don’t officially move to the new arena until 2015-16.

“But this obviously is going to be our home for a long time. So in my opinion the more games we play here (will be) awesome,” Hamonic added. ”We’re looking forward to it. It’s a great building, an unreal atmosphere and a great spot. So we’re going to be here for years to come.”