Winnipeg Jets center Gabriel Vilardi (13) warms up before a game against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn ImagesGabriel Vilardi's return to the Winnipeg Jets lineup couldn't be coming at a better time, with HC Scott Arniel stating that he should be good to go without any limitations at 5-on-5 or the power play.
The St. Louis Blues dominated the Jets on home ice and hold all the momentum, but the series is heading back to Winnipeg, where the Jets are 2-0. Both games in Winnipeg were tightly contested, with Kyle Connor scoring goals in the third period to give the Jets the lead.
The Blues will likely feel better about how the series is going than the Jets will, but that can all change in one moment. The Blues have forced the Jets to grind out wins at home, while they cruised to back-to-back victories.
They've instilled doubt and fear into the Jets, but more importantly into Connor Hellebuyck.
In the playoffs, offensive chances can be hard to generate, which is why a player like Vilardi is so valuable. His ability to get to the front of the net and deflect or pot loose pucks is a trait very few players possess. He finished the 2024-25 season with 27 goals and 61 points, scoring on 20.8% of his shots.
His return will help the Jets make Jordan Binnington more uncomfortable in his crease and hopefully improve their efficiency in front of the goal.
At the moment, it's unclear who Vilardi will replace in the lineup, likely being one of David Gustafsson or Jaret Anderson-Dolan. He'll return to his usual place as the right winger on the top line next to Mark Scheifele and Connor.
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