Mark Scheifele Out for Game 6 Against Blues as Jets Aim to Advance

WINNIPEG, Manitoba — The Winnipeg Jets will be without forward Mark Scheifele as they face the St. Louis Blues in Game 6 of their playoff series on Friday night. Coach Scott Arniel confirmed on Thursday that Scheifele will not make the trip to St. Louis after suffering injuries in Game 5.

Scheifele took two significant bodychecks during Winnipeg’s 5-3 victory on Wednesday. Injured after a hit from Blues captain Brayden Schenn, Scheifele did not return for the second period. “He won’t be coming on the trip,” Arniel said at the Winnipeg airport.

The Jets are one win away from advancing to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since the 2020-21 season. Scheifele, who has recorded six points in the series, is considered day-to-day regarding his availability.

Vladislav Namestnikov will be taking Scheifele’s spot on the top line and was productive in Game 5, scoring a goal and adding an assist. Arniel praised his team, stating, “I’m so proud of the group, how everybody stepped up. It’s kind of what our team has done all year. Guys go down, other guys step in.”

The Jets are also missing star forward Nikolaj Ehlers, who has been sidelined due to a right foot injury. Ehlers has recently begun skating but will not be available for Friday’s game.

The Jets lead the best-of-seven series 3-2 after losing two consecutive games in St. Louis. With the series returning to St. Louis, the team is looking for a strong performance to secure their place in the next round.

Arniel emphasized the need for a concentrated effort from his players. “We did the job last night, and now we’ve got to turn around and do it again,” he said. Game 6 is set to take place at 8 p.m. ET, with high stakes for both teams.