WINNIPEG – SPORTS – It’s a do-or-die moment in Manitoba. The Winnipeg Jets and St. Louis Blues are heading into a decisive Game 7 at Canada Life Centre Sunday night — and for the first time ever, a Stanley Cup Playoff Game 7 will be played on Winnipeg ice.
As anticipation builds across the Prairies and beyond, the big question looms: Will Mark Scheifele be in the lineup?
Scheifele Skates Solo, But Status Uncertain
Jets star centre Mark Scheifele remains a game-time decision for Sunday’s tilt after skating alone Saturday morning in a tracksuit. He missed Game 6 due to an undisclosed injury, and while he’s shown signs of progress, the Jets are playing it close to the vest.
“Yeah, that’s a great sign,” said head coach Scott Arniel following Saturday’s skate. “He feels a lot better today than he did yesterday… We’ll move forward and make the call at game time.”
Scheifele was injured during a physical Game 5 — absorbing a pair of heavy hits, including one from Blues captain Brayden Schenn, who was penalized for interference, and another from forward Radek Faksa. Despite not returning for the second period, Scheifele logged over eight minutes and tallied an assist in the first.
Home Ice Advantage: Jets Look to Keep Perfect Run Alive
So far, the home team has won every game in this series — and the Jets are banking on that trend to continue in front of a deafening Winnipeg crowd. The team finished the regular season as Presidents’ Trophy winners with a 56-22-4 record and has been rock-solid at Canada Life Centre all year.
“We’ve been really solid all year at home,” said defenseman Dylan Samberg. “We’re comfortable playing here and the crowd really helps. It all comes down to one game — we just need to leave it all out there.”
This is just the second Game 7 in Jets/Thrashers franchise history — the first coming in 2018 when Winnipeg routed Nashville 5-1 to advance. This time, the stakes are just as high, with a spot in the Western Conference Second Round on the line.
Arniel to Jets: “These Are the Moments You Live For”
Coach Arniel didn’t shy away from the emotional weight of Sunday’s game. He called on his team to seize the opportunity and create lasting playoff memories.
“If you haven’t been through it yet, this is your chance,” Arniel said. “Go make a lasting impression… It’s part of your growth as a player. Guys that have never been here, put it in your resume that you’ve won a Game 7.”
Eyes on Thunder Bay: Fans Watching Closely from the Northwest
While Winnipeg buzzes with excitement, fans in Thunder Bay and across Northwestern Ontario are equally locked in. With strong regional ties to Jets players and the team’s fan base extending through Northern Ontario, bars and living rooms alike will be packed for puck drop at 7 p.m. ET.
From Scheifele’s status to the roar of the Winnipeg faithful, all signs point to an electric Game 7 atmosphere. One game. One goal. One team moves on.
