The Winnipeg Jets may finally have their complete roster available for the playoffs, arriving precisely when they need it most.
Ahead of Sunday`s pivotal Game 7 matchup against the St. Louis Blues, forward Mark Scheifele participated in a light practice session on the ice Saturday. According to Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Free Press, Scheifele worked on skating, stick handling, and shooting.
Head coach Scott Arniel subsequently confirmed that Scheifele reported feeling “a lot better” than the day before. His availability for the deciding game of the series will be determined closer to game time.
Scheifele, who sat out Game 6 and did not travel with the team to St. Louis, would be a significant addition for the Jets. His return would be a timely lift following their 5-2 loss on Friday, which prevented them from clinching a spot in the second round.
The 32-year-old forward was forced to leave Game 5 after sustaining two hard hits during the first period – one delivered by Blues captain Brayden Schenn and another by forward Radek Faksa.
Despite missing time, Scheifele has been productive in the playoffs, tallying six points (two goals and four assists) in five games. During the regular season, he finished as the team`s second-highest scorer, recording 39 goals and a personal-best 87 points, playing a key role in Winnipeg securing the Presidents` Trophy.
