In this way, Winnipeg improves three lines with the return of one player. Consider the first thought Arniel offered about Vilardi’s impact Tuesday. When asked how Vilardi would help Winnipeg in Game 5, Arniel gave his entire response without talking about Vilardi at all.

Winnipeg Jets forward Gabriel Vilardi, 25, will return from a monthlong absence and play in Game 5 of the first round of the playoffs against the St. Louis Blues Wednesday, as his club looks to take a 3-2 lead.

Coming off the best season of his career, Winnipeg Jets forward Gabriel Vilardi (upper-body injury) will return from a month-long absence and play in Game 5 of the first round of the playoffs against the visiting St.