Breaking News: Winnipeg Jets Roster Update: Nikolaj Ehlers Out for Game 5, Gabriel Vilardi Returns, and Connor Hellebuyck Must Rebound as Jets Face Must-Win Situation Against Blues
Winnipeg, MB – In crucial Game 5 of the Winnipeg Jets’ playoff series against the St. Louis Blues, head coach Scott Arniel has revealed some key lineup changes. Disappointingly, speedy winger Nikolaj Ehlers, who has been working his way back from injury, will not be suiting up tonight, despite taking the ice for morning skate in a non-contact jersey. The Jets will have to make do without Ehlers’ production on the ice, including his crucial power play presence.
On a more positive note, top-line center Gabriel Vilardi makes his return after a lengthy absence, resuming his spot alongside Pierre-Luc Dubois and Blake Wheeler. Nicoletti and Lowry will also return to their familiar spots on the third line, reuniting with Mason Appleton. The Jets’ top line and power play will now be back to full strength, giving them a significant boost against the Blues.
The Game 4 debacle, in which the Jets allowed 11 goals in two games, has put all eyes on goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. The netminder knows he must step up his performance for the Jets to pull off a victory and keep their playoff hopes alive. The Blues, on the other hand, are expected to make only one change, replacing injured defenseman Tyler Tucker.
Morning skate revealed no other surprises, with Ehlers indeed skating in a non-contact jersey. The Jets and Blues are set to face off tonight at 8:30 PM CDT, with the game impacting Jets’ crowd expected to play a significant role in the outcome. Stay tuned for more updates and post-game coverage on illegalcurve.com.
Game 5 Showdown: Jets’ Hellebuyck Ready to Redeem as Ehlers Skates Again, Vilardi & Niederreiter Return
Chicago – The Winnipeg Jets and St. Louis Blues are set to face off in a pivotal Game 5 at the United Center, with the Jets looking to rebound from consecutive losses and the Blues aiming to take a commanding lead. Here’s a breakdown of the key stories heading into tonight’s game.
Injury Updates and Lineup Changes
The Jets will have a familiar face on the ice during morning skate, as Nikolaj Ehlers skates again in a yellow, non-contact jersey. Although Ehlers won’t suit up for Game 5, his return to the ice is a positive sign for Jets fans. Gabriel Vilardi will return to the lineup after missing time due to injury, reclaiming his spot on the top line alongside Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele. Meanwhile, Nino Niederreiter returns to his usual spot alongside Adam Lowry and Mason Appleton.
For the Blues, defenseman Tyler Tucker is out with a leg injury, but Robert Thomas and captain Brayden Schenn both took maintenance days and are expected to play.
Connor Hellebuyck Seeks Redemption
All eyes will be on Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who allowed 11 goals in his last two games. Hellebuyck understands the importance of his performance, given that his club needs to bounce back and secure a victory to keep the series alive.
Coach’s Media Availability
Jets head coach Scott Arniel discussed the series shift, saying, "We’ve got to be better in the second period. We can’t keep giving up leads going into the third." He also mentioned the Blues’ defensive adjustments in games 3 and 4, citing the need to neutralize their defensemen and solidify the transition game.
Jets and Blues Lines
Here are tonight’s projected lines and defense pairings for both teams:
Winnipeg Jets:
- Connor-Scheifele-Vilardi
- Iafallo-Namestnikov-Perfetti
- Niederreiter-Lowry-Appleton
- Tanev-Barron-JAD
- Morrissey-DeMelo
- Samberg-Pionk
- Stanley-Schenn
- Hellebuyck
St. Louis Blues:
- Buchnevich-Thomas-Snuggerud
- Neighbours-Schenn-Kyrou
- Texier-Sundqvist-Bolduc
- Toropchenko-Faksa-Walker
- Fowler-Parayko
- Broberg-Faulk
- Suter-Leddy
- Binnington
Did You Know?
Did you know that Hellebuyck’s .891 save percentage in this series is far below his career playoff average of .924?
Pro Tip
arding the series’ turning point, Arniel pointed out, "The dam could burst for our second line if we can’t provide better support defensively." Keep an eye on their performance tonight.
Reader Question
Which Jets line do you think will have the most significant impact in Game 5? Share your thoughts in the comments section!
FAQ
Q: Why is Connor Hellebuyck struggling in this series?
A: Hellebuyck has faced 138 shots in four games, with the Jets’ defense allowing too many high-danger chances.
Q: Who will replace Tyler Tucker in the Blues’ lineup?
A: Defense来zu (undisclosed) is expected to draw in for Tucker.
Up Next
Tune in to the special playoff edition of the Illegal Curve Pre-Game Show, starting at 6:30 PM CDT, on YouTube and live at CityPlace (333 St. Mary’s). Puck drop is at 8:30 PM CDT. Be sure to visit illegalcurve.com post-game for a recap, player interviews, and coach Arniel’s thoughts.
Don’t forget to follow our sports podcast for in-depth analysis and expert opinions. Stay engaged, and let’s enjoy the exciting Game 5 together!