Blues, Jets Clash in Decisive Game 7 Amid Injury Concerns

The Winnipeg Jets will face the St. Louis Blues in a decisive Game 7 of their NHL first-round playoff series without key center Mark Scheifele, who remains sidelined due to injury. Scheifele's absence is a significant blow to the Jets, as he was one of their top offensive contributors during the regular season. The Jets struggled in Game 6, losing 5-2, with goaltender Connor Hellebuyck being pulled after a tough outing, and will need improved performances from both their forwards and goaltending to advance. Meanwhile, the Blues, who forced Game 7 after a dominant second period in Game 6, have seen strong postseason contributions from players like Cam Fowler and goalie Jordan Binnington. Both teams have shown strengths and vulnerabilities, making the outcome of this winner-take-all matchup highly unpredictable as it returns to Winnipeg. The Jets will look to leverage their home ice advantage and hope for key players like Gabriel Vilardi and Kyle Connor to step up in Scheifele's absence.