The Winnipeg Jets may ice a healthier defensive core on Friday night, as both Josh Morrissey and Logan Stanley practised in regular contact jerseys at Thursday’s skate and are considered game-time decisions for Game 2 against the Dallas Stars.

Jets head coach Scott Arniel confirmed the update following the skate, offering some optimism that the team’s blue line could return to a more stable, familiar form as they look to bounce back from a 3–2 loss in Game 1.

Morrissey exited Game 7 of Winnipeg’s first-round series against the St. Louis Blues after taking a hard hit into the boards from forward Oskar Sundqvist early in the first period. The 30-year-old did not return, but his presence on the ice this week suggests he’s close to returning. Prior to the injury, Morrissey had quietly contributed three assists through six playoff games, averaging 23:30 of ice time per night. His regular-season performance was even more significant — he recorded 14 goals and 48 assists over 80 games while leading all Jets defencemen in scoring and minutes played.

Logan Stanley has appeared in five playoff games this spring, recording no points, a minus-2 rating, and an eye-catching 42 penalty minutes. The 6-foot-7 blueliner was scratched for Game 7, replaced by Haydn Fleury, who stepped into the lineup and logged an impressive 33:02 in the double-overtime win.

Fleury continued to shoulder heavy responsibility in Game 1 against Dallas, skating alongside Dylan DeMelo on the Jets’ top pairing in Morrissey’s absence. His performance has been steady, but the Jets will welcome the experience and two-way capability that Morrissey brings.

The Stars took the series opener behind a dominant performance from forward Mikko Rantanen, who scored his second straight hat trick to power Dallas to a 3–2 win. Winnipeg will need to find an answer for the red-hot winger if they hope to even the series.

Game 2 is set for Friday at 8:30 p.m. CT at Canada Life Centre. The Jets are counting on a boost from their home crowd — and potentially the return of two key defencemen — as they try to avoid heading to Dallas in a 2–0 series hole.