Panthers' Akira Schmid Set To Man The Crease Against The Jets; Jacob Markstrom Returns To Practice

Entering the season, the Florida Panthers' most scrutinized position group was goaltending.

Sergei Bobrovsky, who served as the Panthers' No. 1 for seven years, left for the Toronto Maple Leafs, and they brought in Jacob Markstrom, who had a tough two seasons with the New Jersey Devils, and Akira Schmid, who is fairly unproven.

But so far, goaltending really hasn't been a major issue. Markstrom has posted an .897 save percentage in six games, and Schmid has posted a .885, but his play while Markstrom has been injured has been crucial.

Markstrom, who is back skating with the team, suffered an upper-body injury and hasn't played since Oct. 17. In that time, the Panthers have played four games, with Schmid starting three. The 26-year-old recorded save percentages of .833 against the Ottawa Senators, .905 against the Chicago Blackhawks, and .960 against the Winnipeg Jets.

While he has started the season slowly, Schmid appears to be turning the corner at a time of need. 

Tonight, the Panthers will take on the Jets at home, with Schmid back in between the pipes. 

The Jets haven't confirmed their starting goaltender yet, but Nico Daws is expected to start. Daws and Schmid were teammates with the Devils but have since been traded from the organization. Daws was recently dealt to the Jets in the Connor Hellebuyck deal and could be making his Winnipeg debut tonight. 

As for Markstrom's eventual return, he was initially given a 10- to 14-day absence and placed on the injured reserve on Oct. 20. It's been 10 days since the injury, and after tonight, the Panthers are back in action on Monday, which aligns perfectly with his timeline. If he can’t play Monday against the Detroit Red Wings, we could likely see him back Wednesday against the Blackhawks.

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