The Winnipeg Jets are “ready to get rocking,” according to Mark Scheifele, as the team is taking their 2-0 series lead into St. Louis.
The Jets took care of business on home ice against the Blues with 5-3 and 2-1 victories in their first two contests.
Now, they will look to put St. Louis on the brink of elimination in their own barn.
“They’ve both been super hard-fought games, kind of right to the end kind of games. Obviously, we’re happy we got the two wins at home, and obviously, it’s going to be a big task going to St. Louis and playing in front of their fans. We’re excited for the challenge and ready to get rocking,” said Scheifele.
The Jets have had success at the Enterprise Center this season, winning both matchups. Being on the road has also not been a problem for Winnipeg, as they won 26 times away from Canada Life Centre.
Even with all that success, Scheifele said it all goes out the window in the post-season.
“It’s a new animal, especially come playoffs. We know their fans are going to be rowdy and loud and excited, as well as their players… We’re just ready to get playing again and, hopefully, get some wins down there.”
The results from the regular season may not matter anymore, but the process to get there is still important.
Head Coach Scott Arniel said the team tries to play the exact same no matter where they are and the goal is for that to continue.
“I’d like to think that how we play at home is how we play on the road. There isn’t two different ways to play. We were pretty consistent about how we go out and how we attack the opposition, how we defend. So I think it’s just as simple as that. We don’t try to change because we’re on the road or because we’re at home,” said Arniel.
Other than not having the Whiteout to create a deafening roar when the Jets score, one of the biggest differences when on the road is losing the ability to have the last change.
This means there will be moments when the Blues try to exploit a favourable matchup for their top players.
The Jets are prepared to deal with that challenge, saying there is a next-man-up mentality on the road.
“We’ve talked about it all year,” said Jets defenceman Josh Morrissey. “All 60, everyone’s got to be comfortable playing against everyone. Top lines, fourth lines, everything. Obviously going on the road here now, that’s what we’ll see with not having the last change. So definitely, as I said, something that you got to be aware of, who you’re out against, but that’s every game in the NHL.”
(SUBHEAD) Scheifele leading the charge for Jets
Scheifele has put the Jets on his back for the first two games of the playoffs, including being part of both goals Monday.
He has five points in those two games, which is tied with Minnesota’s Kirill Kaprizov for the top spot in the post-season.
Scheifele is no stranger to elevating his game to another level in the NHL’s second season, as he recorded 14 goals and 20 points in the 2017-2018 playoffs.
“This is what we play for,” Scheifele said Wednesday before embarking for St. Louis. “You play 82 games to get to the post-season and, you know, it’s definitely not hard to get excited for these games.
“It’s been a good start, and just want to keep it going.”
Scheifele was also front and centre Monday prior to the game, as he and Blues’ backup goalie Joel Hofer were each trying to be the last players to leave the ice after warmups. Hofer was also seen firing pucks down the ice in Scheifele’s direction.
Asked if he was irritated by the interaction, Scheifele laughed about it a little.
“I like to be off last. It’s not a thing that really comes into my brain… It’s something I’ve done for my whole career. So I just kind of wanted to get off the ice for the Zamboni guys to be able to get out there and do their job properly… I thought it was more funny than anything.”
The Jets are flying to St. Louis Wednesday, with Game 3 in the series going Thursday at 8:30 p.m.
