Pucks and Pitchforks
Fansided

Grading Each New Jersey Devils Players’ Playoff Performances

By Jonathan Bailey

New Jersey Devils celebrate their win over the New York Rangers in game seven of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
New Jersey Devils celebrate their win over the New York Rangers in game seven of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /
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New Jersey Devils
Igor Shesterkin of the Rangers congratulates Akira Schmid of the Devils. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

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 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.

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