NEWARK, NJ - MARCH 21: Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele (55) looks on during a game between the Winnipeg Jets and New Jersey Devils on March 21, 2024 at Prudential Center in the Newark, New Jersey.
(Photo by Andrew Mordzynski/Icon Sportswire)

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Mark Scheifele injured by Brayden Schenn hit
  • Scheifele will not return to Game 5
  • Read below for more on Scheifele’s exit

The hits keep coming for the Winnipeg Jets.

After back-to-back games in which Vezina Trophy favorite Connor Hellebuyck was pulled in St. Louis, Winnipeg’s top center Mark Scheifele suffered an injury in the first period of Game 5.

Scheifele was involved in a big collision with Brayden Schenn in the first period. He did remain in the game for the remainder of the opening frame but did not come out for the second period.

Schenn came up high to lay out Scheifele and received a minor for interference, then picked up an extra two in coincidental roughing minors with Brandon Tanev.

It was a hit that Jets head coach Scott Arniel apparently thought should’ve been dealt with more severely.

The Jets held a 2-1 lead at that time before the Blues tied it up early in the second period. It looked as if Scheifele’s injury had really turned the tide in the game.

However, the Jets scored twice more before the period was up with linemate Kyle Connor picking up the primary assists on both goals.

 

Even if the Jets do hold on to take a 3-2 series lead, any injury to Scheifele could completely change Winnipeg’s chances.

Scheifele had 87 points (39 goals, 48 assists) in 82 regular-season games this year and five points (all in Games 1 and 2) in the series thus far.

We’ll see what Scheifele’s status is for Game 6, which is set to be the lone game on Friday night. Puck drop is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET.