Nikolaj Ehlers' Fate Appears to be In For Crucial Game 6 Tonight
It appears that Nikolaj Ehlers could possibly be making his debut tonight, as he was seen in a regular contact jersey, taking rushes on the second forward line.
Winnipeg Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers could be back in the lineup tonight for Game 6 of their first-round playoff series against the St. Louis Blues, with a chance to clinch the series.
The 28-year-old right winger has missed time with a foot injury that has kept him out of the entire playoffs so far and limited him to just two games since April 3.
Even while missing, however, the Jets have managed to chip out to a 3-2 series lead, though both teams have won only on home ice. As the series returns to St. Louis, Winnipeg would look to end that trend with Ehlers' presence.
Seeing Ehlers in a full-contact jersey is an extremely positive sign for his return
Hope of his return was seen this morning when Ehlers practiced for the first time in a full-contact jersey since he was hurt.
In an unmistakable indication that he's nearing full health, Ehlers took rushes on the second forward line at morning skate, which indicates that the Jets are gearing up to put him back in a meaningful role.
His return is at a critical time, as the team will miss top-line center Mark Scheifele, who was injured in the first period of Game 5 and didn't travel with the team to Missouri.
With Ehlers replacing him and expected to play immediately, the Jets will look to close out the series tonight and advance to the next round.
| POLL | ||
MAI 2 | 290 ANSWERS Nikolaj Ehlers' Fate Appears to be In For Crucial Game 6 Tonight Will the Jets finish off the Blues tonight in Game 6? | ||
| Yes | 130 | 44.8 % |
| No | 160 | 55.2 % |
| List of polls | ||