Dr Hockey Segment NEWARK, N.J. -- Ahead of the team's 12:30 P.M. practice, the New Jersey Devils [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/game-day/new-jersey-devils-washington-capitals-gameday-alex-holtz-erik-haula]announced that goaltender Akira Schmid was assigned the Utica Comets (American Hockey League) and goaltender Isaac Poulter was recalled. Schmid was called up on Feb. 12 after Vitek Vanecek suffered a lower-body injury against the Carolina Hurricanes on Feb. 10. The Swiss netminder has served as Nico Daws [https://www.nhl.com/devils/player/nico-daws-8482076]' backup for the past five games. After Wednesday's practice, head coach Lindy Ruff provided insight into swapping Schmid for Poulter. "We have Akira going down to get a game in," he said [https://www.nhl.com/devils/video/ruff-practice-raw-2-21-24-6347332311112]. "See how that game goes. Then make a decision on the weekend games." The Comets are scheduled to play on Friday, Feb. 23, against the Syracuse Crunch, and Schmid is expected to play. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAxMzgxNjEwMjYyNjM2Mzc2/nhl--stanley-cup-playoffs-carolina-hurricanes-at-new-jersey-devils.jpg] The Devils will play three games over the next four days, beginning Thursday against the New York Rangers. Ruff was asked if Poulter could get a start over the next couple of games and make his NHL debut. "I don't think you can rule out anything," he said. "We haven't made a decision on anything. Right now, we are just taking it day by day." Vanecek remains on injured reserve. Ruff shared that the netminder feels better but is not ready to play. The Hockey News will keep you updated as the Devils figure out their goaltending carousel and continue to fight for a playoff spot.
