The Winnipeg Jets were without Dylan DeMelo for the first time in two seasons, and his absence was sincerely felt in a blowout 7-2 loss in Game 3. 

Throughout his Jets tenure, DeMelo has been a stabilizer on the top pairing, providing the Jets with a defensive-first mindset and more than capable puck-moving abilities. In Games 1 and 2, the 31-year-old recorded 19:04 of ice time and 21:37, finishing as a +1 in both games. At even strength, the Jets are outscoring the St. Louis Blues 2-0, outshooting, out-chancing, and holding 78.4% of the expected goals. 

HC Scott Arniel told the media following the game that DeMelo was out due to an illness he picked up in the afternoon. Without him, Neal Pionk was moved up to the top line alongside Josh Morrissey, and the pair finished as a -2.

"I mean, listen, obviously you develop chemistry with your partner, but we got lots of players back there," said Morrissey when asked about missing DeMelo. "At the end of the day, I definitely miss Melo out there, hopefully he's back Sunday, but like I said, it's not an excuse."

Each defenseman had a moment in the game where they made a blunder leading to a goal, and part of it is the added responsibility of DeMelo's absence. If he can return on Sunday for Game 4, the Jets will feel more confident in their game, and goaltender Connor Hellebuyck will be more appreciative.

It was yet again another tough outing for the Jets' netminder, finishing Game 3 with a .760 SV% and a 7.20 GAA. Although several of the goals that got past Hellebuyck were quality chances, his performance through the first three games has been subpar. 

DeMelo's return will likely help limit the high-danger chances, but Hellebuyck still needs to be better. 

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