The Winnipeg Jets are preparing for their biggest game of the season tonight and will be doing so without their current longest-tenured player, Mark Scheifele, adding additional pressure to several players. 

The series between the Jets and the St. Louis Blues has been back and forth, each winning their home games, but tonight, in Game 7, anything can happen, and it could make home-ice advantage obsolete. 

If the Jets want to move on to the second round to take on the Dallas Stars, these players need to perform tonight.

Connor Hellebuyck

The most obvious answer, but the most needed performer. Hellebuyck has been the Jets' best player for several seasons, and it was highlighted by his 2024-25 campaign, which saw him finish as a finalist for the Hart Trophy and the Vezina Trophy. 

In the opening round, Hellebuyck has posted a .815 SV% and a 4.42 GAA in six starts. Half of those starts have seen him pulled from his crease. Far too often, Hellebuyck has allowed soft goals and has been caught sitting deep in his crease. Jordan Binnington has a history of elevating his play in important games, and if Hellebuyck can't provide the Jets with even an average performance, the game could get out of hand very quickly.

Josh Morrissey

It's been a relatively quiet series from Morrissey, who's posted just three assists in six games. Although he's been averaging 23:30 of ice time, he's taken just 11 shots on net, is a -3 and has one 5-on-5 point. Throughout the season, Morrissey has consistently provided the Jets with offence from the back end, scoring 14 goals and 62 points, but in the opening round, he hasn't been good enough. 

Kyle Connor

Connor has been far and beyond the Jets' best player this series, recording four goals and nine points in six games. He's had a knack for scoring important goals when the Jets have needed it and will need to do so tonight. 

Without Scheifele and with Nikolaj Ehlers and Gabriel Vilardi battling injuries, the pressure for Connor to continue to deliver has increased. On home ice, HC Scott Arniel has given Connor advantageous matchups to seek offence, and he'll need to continue to capitalize on those opportunities. 

Luke Schenn

Schenn was acquired at the deadline to provide physicality and stability on the back end, but through six playoff games, the Jets are being outscored 10-3 with the 35-year-old on the ice. 

The Jets need Schenn to be a no-nonsense defender. Keep the puck away from the net and clear it out of their zone when the opportunity arises. If he's unable to do that again tonight, the Jets will continue to suffer chances and goals against. 

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Line Combinations: Game 7 - Jets vs. Blues The Winnipeg Jets are facing a do-or-die as they host the St. Louis Blues in Game 7 of the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs on Sunday night.