WINNIPEG — Predicting the outcome of this Game 7 won`t be possible based on intuition until just before the opening faceoff.
That`s when we`ll learn if Mark Scheifele is playing.
The Winnipeg Jets` top center, who has been sidelined by an undisclosed injury since the first intermission of Game 5, was seen skating in a tracksuit at Canada Life Centre on Saturday afternoon.
“Obviously, a great sign,” Jets coach Scott Arniel commented during Saturday afternoon`s media availability. “He feels considerably better today than he did yesterday. He wanted to get on the ice and see how he felt, and we`ll proceed from there. His participation will be decided at game time.”
Scheifele`s availability is crucial and will significantly impact Winnipeg`s prospects.
If he is able to play, the Jets would field their full forward lineup for the first time in this series. This would reunite the top forward line and the primary power play unit, consisting of Scheifele, Kyle Connor, Josh Morrissey, Nikolaj Ehlers, and Gabriel Vilardi.
If he remains out, it creates a significant chain reaction.
Winnipeg`s limited depth down the middle is exposed, pushing Vladislav Namestnikov and Adam Lowry into top-six center roles. Connor loses his regular linemate. Furthermore, secondary scoring, which the Jets have struggled with throughout this series, becomes even more vital.
“That`s just a reality of playoff hockey. To advance, players have to elevate their game,” Arniel stated. “Everyone needs to step up and contribute a little extra. Sometimes you have to push your boundaries and do things you aren`t typically known for.”
Unexpected contributors are essential in the playoffs, and the Jets haven`t had many so far, aside from Alex Iafallo stepping up during Vilardi`s absence. In contrast, the Blues have benefited from players like fourth-liner Nathan Walker, who has scored three goals, a revitalized defenseman leading their team in playoff scoring (10 points), and rookie Jimmy Suggerud, who has chipped in four points in six games.
Without Scheifele, the team`s struggle with offensive depth becomes more prominent. Kyle Connor has scored four of Winnipeg`s 11 goals at five-on-five, and no other player has managed more than a single five-on-five tally.
Can Ehlers finally overcome his playoff challenges and become a difference-maker? He has only recorded 14 points in 38 career playoff games and hasn`t scored a goal since the 2020-21 playoffs.
Can Cole Perfetti build on his somewhat positive playoff performance thus far (three points in six games) and be a driving force in a high-pressure game?
Can Josh Morrissey, for the first time in this series, dominate a game?
Given Connor Hellebuyck`s inconsistent performance, the Jets cannot rely solely on winning low-scoring 2-1 games. They desperately need more offensive output.
