Akira Schmid Starts for the Panthers Against Winnipeg, and Nico Daws Is Expected for the Jets

Panthers: Akira Schmid, confirmed. "Akira Schmid will be in net tonight against Winnipeg, per Coach Maurice," the Panthers posted on Friday. Puck drop at Amerant Bank Arena is 7 p.m. ET.

Jets: Nico Daws, expected. NHL.com's projected lineups list Daws first in goal, with Stuart Skinner as backup and Clay Stevenson a scratch. The preview says Daws could start. The Jets did not hold a morning skate, so no coach has named him yet.

The rematch from Tuesday

These teams met in Winnipeg three nights ago. Schmid made 24 saves on 25 shots in Florida's 5-1 win, the NHL.com box score shows. Stevenson started for the Jets that night. The Panthers (7-4-2) are expected to dress the same lineup they used in their past two games, the preview says.

Schmid has carried the load with Jacob Markstrom out. Markstrom (upper body) has missed four straight games and could return sometime next week, Maurice said, per NHL.com. Schmid is 4-2-1 with an .885 save percentage this season, according to his NHL.com player page.

Why Daws, and why now

Winnipeg (4-6-3) is on the second night of a back-to-back and has lost seven straight. In Thursday's 6-4 loss at Tampa Bay, Skinner allowed five goals on 21 shots and Daws took over to start the third period, NHL.com's recap says. Daws made nine saves in his Jets debut. The Jets acquired him from the New Jersey Devils on Oct. 23, along with forwards Dawson Mercer and Nick Bjugstad.

If Daws starts, it will be his first start for Winnipeg. We will move him to confirmed on the Oct. 30 board once the Jets or a reporter at the rink names him. Our explainer on how starters get confirmed covers the difference between the two labels. Nothing here is betting advice.