Injury Update Provided on Jets Top-Six Forward Prior to Game 3 vs. the Blues

The Winnipeg Jets managed to gut out a 2-1 win against the St. Louis Blues in Game 2 last night, taking a 2-0 series advantage without one of their key forwards, Gabriel Vilardi.

The 25-year-old has been sidelined since March 23 with an upper-body injury and wasn't dressed for the game, though he continues to make strides in his recovery.

Vilardi skated in a non-contact jersey for the second straight practice earlier this week, a positive sign that he's nearing a return.

While he wasn't yet ready for last night's contest, the play of the Jets showed resiliency and depth, something that will only be aided by Vilardi's eventual return.

There is no official schedule yet for when he will be cleared for full contact, but with two practices scheduled before Game 3 in St. Louis, the window is open for him to start ramping things up.

Winning a game without Vilardi not only boosts team morale but also gives him precious time to fully rehabilitate without the stress of needing to rush back.

Injuries in the playoffs are almost a given, but the teams that manage them best are usually the ones with the edge in the later rounds. Should Vilardi be able to return at 100%, the Jets may just see a key piece fall into place just when it matters most.