Mark Scheifele Post-game It is abundantly obvious that Winnipeg Jets star centreman Mark Scheifele is not playing at a full one hundred percent. At some point over the past five games, Scheifele hurt himself. Most have zeroed in on the fight against former Junior teammate Aaron Ekblad in Winnipeg's first of two-straight games against the Florida Panthers to which something may have occurred. Although not showing any visible signs of injury during the fight or in the moments after in the penalty box, Scheifele has not been playing at the level he is so commonly associated with. Common injuries suffered in fights tend to be related to shoulders, arms, wrists and hands. Spotted on the bench talking to a team trainer while pointing to his shoulder may further justify his ailment. But for now, it is all hearsay. One of those possible designations certainly would make sense considering Scheifele's usage and production over the past five contests. After putting up a hat trick performance against Florida on November 19, Scheifele has not found the twine in the four games since, and has just two assists over that span. He has shot the puck just five times in those four games and is a minus-4 overall. Although the offensive contributions are concerning, the more staggering part of Scheifele's injury issue is the most noticeable change. He isn't taking any face-offs. Like none. Clearly plagued by an upper-body concern, the 31-year-old is either attempting to avoid the face-off motion, or has been instructed to do so by the coaching/medical staff. He missed the team skate last Wednesday and has been restricted on face-off duties ever since. On November 22, Scheifele took just two draws, while linemate Gabe Vilardi took over in the circle on 16 other occasions. Then, on November 25, Scheifele didn't line up for a single face-off, while Vilardi took all 14 of the first line's draws on the night, before once again giving way to Vilardi on Wednesday in Los Angeles. Scheifele didn't even have a shot on goal against the Kings, thus adding to his frustrating past two weeks. Oh, and he was dinged with three minor penalties against Nashville on the weekend. Whether or not head coach Scott Arniel gives his alternate captain a night or two off, taking him off face-off duty clearly isn't helping his overall game. Vilardi, however, has thrived, winning the majority of the draws he's taken in Scheifele's absence. Where it goes from here is anyone's guess. Winnipeg takes on Vegas on Friday night, before facing Dallas on the road on Sunday afternoon. With both games featuring top opponents, it would be hard to imagine Arniel pulls his star forward from action, but if doctors orders have proven anything, it's that a short period of time away can help prevent an extended stay on the injured list down the line. The Jets return home for just one game next Tuesday, as the St. Louis Blues roll into town for a 7:00 PM central battle at Canada Life Centre. If Scheifele is still avoiding face-offs at that point, both the Jets and Team Canada's 4 Nations Cup roster will be in trouble.
