Devils start Schmid, add Graves to blue line for must-win Game 5 vs. Hurricanes

The New Jersey Devils will have defenceman Ryan Graves back in the lineup after he missed two games with an upper-body injury. Kevin Bahl was scratched to make room for Graves.

The Devils also made a change in goal by starting Akira Schmid, a move that was expected after Schmid came off the bench to replace Vitek Vanecek in Game 4.

Forward Curtis Lazar was inserted into the lineup in place of defenceman Brendan Smith in another move.

There was some concern that leading-scorer Jack Hughes would be unavailable for the Devils after the star centre didn’t participate in line rushes during warmup, but Hughes was in the lineup submitted before the game.

The Hurricanes lead the series 3-1 and can eliminate the Devils in Game 5 on home ice. You can watch the game on Sportsnet and SN NOW.