Akira Schmid – Grade: A
When Vitek Vanecek faltered, things looked pretty grim for the Devils until this Akira Schmid guy stepped in. He saved the Devils season for as long as he could. When most of us were begging to avoid a sweep at the hands of our Hudson River Rivals, Schmid came in and secured a series win.
Akira Schmid could NOT be hotter right now. 🥵
— NHL (@NHL) April 28, 2023
The @NJDevils rookie goalie has now won his first three postseason starts including a 23-save shutout in tonight's Game 5 victory. 🧱 #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/BtfYWWsSIN
Akira Schmid captivated his audience on Broadway, stealing the show with two straight wins at Madison Square Garden and two shutouts at home at Prudential Center. Schmid had a tough time replicating that success against the Hurricanes, but hockey is a team game. The Devils did not show up in Games 1 or 2. Schmid performed admirably in Game 5 with his back against the wall, but ultimately it was not to be.
The Devils won as a team and lost as a team, but Schmid kept their season going for a few more weeks. After this stellar performance, it’s interesting to see what happens next.