Devils goalie Cory Schneider made his first conditioning start for the Binghamton Devils Saturday night, taking a step closer toward returning to the crease after offseason hip surgery.

In a 4-0 loss to the Cleveland Monsters, Schneider turned away 28 shots. All three goals he surrendered came in a two-minute span late in the second period.

After the game, Schneider told reporters that he felt good.

"For me, personally, it was about how it felt to compete again," Schneider said. "It felt pretty good."

The good news for the Devils is, for now, there's no rush for Schneider to return to the NHL team. Keith Kinkaid, who led the Devils down the stretch and into the postseason a year ago, has been on top of his game through the Devils' first six games.

Kinkaid's play could give Schneider extra time to get ready, if needed, before playing on a regular basis for the Devils.

Still, it's not out of the realm of possibility that Schneider could be ready to play by the Devils' next game, which is home Thursday against the Nashville Predators.

Beyond that, Schneider could return next Saturday against the Florida Panthers at home.

Schneider on how he felt after tonight's rehab start. pic.twitter.com/DKE9LDr32J — Binghamton Devils (@BingDevils) October 21, 2018

"Fortunately, we have a little time since we don't play until Thursday in New Jersey," Schneider told reporters. "We'll figure out what the best course is. I'll talk to management and trainers tonight."

Kinkaid became the guy for the Devils last year when he took over for an injured Schneider in January and kept the job during New Jersey's run to the playoffs.

Schneider eventually returned and closed out the postseason, looking strong in a Game 5 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, before his offseason surgery.

Kinkaid, in the first two weeks of this season, already tied his career high for shutouts in a season with two. He's 4-2-0 with a 1.85 GAA and .929 save percentage.

Brian Deakyne may be reached at bdeakyne@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BrianDeakyne. Follow NJ.com's Devils coverage at nj.com/devils.