Akira Schmid will start Friday vs. Columbus. Schmid will return to the Devils' crease on Wednesday for the first time since allowing five goals on 30 shots (.833 SV%) in a 6-3 loss to the Winnipeg Jets on November 14th. The Devils are an offensive juggernaut this season, ranking ninth in the league offensively (3.47 GF / GP), but have struggled immensely keeping the puck out of their net, regardless of who is in between the pipes, ranking fourth-worst in the league defensively (3.82 GA / GP). Schmid has shown the pedigree of an exceptional goaltender in the past but has struggled to find his footing this season, posting an ugly 3.46 GAA and .885 SV% through six games (1-3-1).