Mark Scheifele’s absence puts Winnipeg’s playoff hopes on edge

The Winnipeg Jets are having a tough time undergoing a Game 7 against the St. Louis Blues, needing to fight without the aid of one of their premier stars. Franchise-centered Mark Scheifele will not be dressing for the Jets due to injury, which is crucial for the Jets that have made this series an opportunity to get into the second round of NHL playoffs.It makes it more difficult without Mark Scheifele, but they still want to win and move on.Mark Scheifele got hurt in Game 5 after suffering two hard hits during the first period. One was by Brayden Schenn and the other by Radek Faksa. The hits forced him to leave the game early after making only seven shifts and a bit over eight minutes of ice time. At first, the Jets were unaware of the severity of the injury. Coach Scott Arniel indicated that he could play, assuming he was healthy. But on Game 7 day, Mark Scheifele skipped the morning skate, and Arniel later confirmed that he would not play. The severity of the injury has not been disclosed.Mark Scheifele is Winnipeg's best player. He had six points in five games, including the game-winning goal in Game 1 and Game 2 in this series alone. He makes plays, scores, and is a steady cool head on the ice.Now that he is no longer there, the rest of the team will have to pick up the pace. The other defensemen and forwards will have to put in overtime. There is so much pressure because this is a win-or-go-home situation. If they lose, the season will be over for the Jets. But if they win, they play the Dallas Stars in round two.It won't be simple without Mark Scheifele, but the Jets are talented. They entered the regular season with the NHL's best record, so they do understand winning games. It's just whether or not they can do it all under this kind of pressure and without one of their top players.Also Read: NHL Playoffs: Jets Overcome Loss Of Top Scorer Scheifele To Edge Blues