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Winnipeg Jets News
Vilardi (upper body) will return on Saturday vs. Ottawa.

Vilardi has missed the Jets' last 15 games due to an upper-body injury but looks just about ready to return on Saturday vs. Ottawa after taking full part in practice Friday (including powerplay). The 24-year-old's return could not come at a better time as Winnipeg finds themselves in the midst of a season-worst five-game losing streak. When healthy, Vilardi is extremely effective as he has 16 goals and 30 points in 38 games played this season.

Gabriel Vilardi
Hellebuyck will start against the Golden Knights on Thursday.

The Jets are amid their worst stretch of the season, riding a four-game losing skid, being outscored 17-7. Largely the Vezina-favourite for most of the season, Hellebuyck has been inconsistent lately, allowing three or more goals in three straight games (0-3-0), posting an ugly .862 SV%. The Jets will look to rebound on Thursday as -119 home favourites against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Connor Hellebuyck
Perfetti will be a healthy scratch on Thursday vs. Vegas.

Perfetti started the season with 29 points (14G / 15A) in 39 games but has since scored only three points (1G / 2A) in 26 games and will be a healthy scratch on Thursday. David Gustafsson will draw into the lineup as Perfetti's replacement.

Cole Perfetti
Hellebuyck is in the starter's crease at the Jets' morning skate.

The Jets are amid their worst stretch of the season, riding a four-game losing skid, being outscored 17-7. Largely the Vezina-favourite for most of the season, Hellebuyck has been inconsistent lately, allowing three or more goals in three straight games (0-3-0), posting an ugly .862 SV%. The Jets will look to rebound on Thursday as -119 home favourites against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Connor Hellebuyck
Hellebuyck will start against the Oilers on Tuesday.

Despite losing his last two starts, the Jets will return to Hellebuyck between the pipes on Tuesday. Hellebuyck has uncharacteristically allowed three or more goals in four of his last seven games (3-4-0), including three on 19 shots (.842 SV%) in his last outing, a 3-0 loss to the Washington Capitals on Sunday. The Jets enter action as +109 home underdogs against the Edmonton Oilers.

Connor Hellebuyck
Hellebuyck is in the starter's crease at the Jets' morning skate.

Despite losing his last two starts, the Jets will likely return to Hellebuyck between the pipes on Tuesday. Hellebuyck has uncharacteristically allowed three or more goals in four of his last seven games (3-4-0), including three on 19 shots (.842 SV%) in his last outing, a 3-0 loss to the Washington Capitals on Sunday. The Jets enter action as +109 home underdogs against the Edmonton Oilers.

Connor Hellebuyck
Pionk (illness) is not expected to play on Thursday but will still be a game-time decision.

Pionk missed practice on Wednesday due to illness and is expected not to suit up on Thursday but still remains a game-time decision. If the 28-year-old is forced to miss Thursday, he will miss his first game of the season after picking up 25 points (5G/20A) in 68 games played.

Neal Pionk